Len Ikitau will take a long overdue break from rugby this weekend, but it'll be a case of no rest for the wicked over the next five weeks for the Brumbies flyer.
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After a seemingly endless COVID-interrupted Super Rugby season, Ikitau was a shock inclusion in Dave Rennie's extended Wallabies squad which earned the 22-year-old a further two months inside bubble conditions training with the national team.
He was relieved of Wallabies duties two weeks ago but instead of returning home to Brisbane, Ikitau opted into two weeks worth of Brumbies preseason training.
Friday will be his last day at the club this year before a five week refresher in Queensland with family and friends.
But the young gun won't be resting on his laurels and plans to continue training throughout his month-long hiatus.
"I haven't been home since Christmas last year, I'm just going to enjoy the company of my family, train and get myself right for next year," Ikitau said.
"I wanted to get a bit fitter before next year. These [last] two weeks can get me started for when I go on break just to keep working on my skill and fitness. If you're willing to work then obviously you're going to get the prize at the end.
"I'm a bit drained at the moment but I get the next five weeks off which is good, physically, mentally get myself right and hopefully come into next year ready to go."
Ikitau had a bittersweet finish to the Super Rugby AU season - named in Rennie's 44-man extended Wallabies squad in September before missing out on selection in the Brumbies' grand final win over the Queensland Reds.
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Despite the disappointment of not making Dan McKellar's final 23, Ikitau embraced his opportunity to train with the Wallabies throughout their Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship campaigns.
"It was an awesome experience the nine weeks or so that I spent with the squad, I got to witness Test match footy I got to see what they did throughout the week," Ikitau said.
"With the amount of game time that I had this year I wasn't really expecting to be in the squad. Dave said he saw something in me, he saw a few things that I did well in the season so I guess he picked me on that.
"He [Rennie] is good, he's really straight up and down about everything, and he's really good with his culture.
"It's an awesome achievement, it just makes you want a bit more leading into next year. I'm excited for the challenge and keen to rip in next year."
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
