Rodda signs with Lyon in France a month after leaving Reds

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Izack Rodda has signed with French club Lyon less than a month after leaving the Queensland Reds amid a dispute over pay cuts for all Super Rugby players in Australia because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Rodda, who has played 25 tests for Australia, fellow lock Harry Hockings and utility back Isaac Lucas all had their Reds contracts terminated in May after the Super Rugby franchises returned to training following the lockdown.The trio were the only Australian-based Super Rugby players to refuse pay cuts which average 60% and were negotiated by Rugby Australia and the players’ union.

Lyon announced the 23-year-old Rodda’s signing on social media, saying he’d be one of four new players at the Top 14 club for next season but not releasing details of the contract.

Rodda was a key member of the Wallabies squad at the World Cup squad in Japan last year, but under Australia's existing regulations he won't be eligible for national selection while he's not signed to a Super Rugby franchise.

Australia's modified domestic Super Rugby competition will kick off a 12-week season on July 3.

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