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Injury-hit Wallaby Rob Leota released by Bayonne after just 12 appearances

Australia back-row Rob Leota has departed Top 14 side Bayonne with immediate effect, the club confirmed on Tuesday. The 29-year-old, sidelined since March with a knee injury, made only 12 appearances during his time with the Basque club.

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Injury-hit Wallaby Rob Leota released by Bayonne after just 12 appearances
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Rob Leota has left Bayonne with immediate effect after the Top 14 club released the Australian back-row on Tuesday, cutting short the second year of his two-year deal. The 29-year-old made just 12 appearances for the Basque outfit, with a knee injury keeping him sidelined since March.

Bayonne confirmed they will honour the remainder of Leota’s contract financially, but the former Melbourne Rebels and NSW Waratahs forward is now free to sign elsewhere. A return to Australia is considered a possibility, where he could push for a Wallabies recall and add to his 21 international caps ahead of a home Rugby World Cup.

In a brief statement, the club said: “After a season spent in Bayonne, Rob Leota, in agreement with the club, will leave the professional squad from October 13, 2026. Bayonne Rugby thanks Rob for his commitment to the Sky and White colours and wishes him all the best for the rest of his professional career.”

Leota joined Bayonne just over a year ago but persistent injury problems severely limited his impact, leaving the club short of back-row depth at a critical point in their season. Bayonne currently sit fifth in the Top 14 and will now look to recruit a fit replacement as they balance domestic and European commitments.

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