Wallabies try-scoring machine Marika Koroibete will miss their entire spring tour of Japan and the UK.
Koroibete missed the birth of his son to represent Australia in three Tests against Les Bleus, before being released from camp and missing their last game against Argentina.
On Sunday, coach Dave Rennie confirmed he has given Koroibete the spring off to remain in Australia and spend time with his young family.
“We’ve been discussing it for a while,” Rennie said.
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“COVID’s thrown a lot of curveballs at all of us. Marika’s been away from home for a long time and (his partner) Emma is pretty isolated down there (in Melbourne).
“They’ve had a newborn baby and they’ve got a couple of other young boys so based on those situations, Marika’s decided not to tour.”
The Wallabies will need to settle on a winger to replace Koroibete and they have the likes of Jordan Petaia, Filipo Daugunu, Reece Hodge and Izaia Perese waiting for a chance.
“(Wing) is a position we’ve got a bit of depth in,” Rennie said.
“Marika’s an unbelievable player. He’s got a massive work ethic and physicality, so big shoes to fill, but we’ve got good depth here.”
The Wallabies landed in Japan on Thursday and take on the Brave Blossoms next Saturday. They then fly to the UK for three Tests, taking on Scotland, England, and then Wales, all of those games throughout November.
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