Australian rugby union faces a persistent challenge in retaining talent, as the allure of Australian Rules Football (AFL) and National Rugby League (NRL) draws potential players away from the Wallabies. Sources within Australian rugby suggest that the popularity and established pathways of AFL and NRL create significant competition for athletes. This competition makes it difficult for the Wallabies to consistently field the strongest possible team, impacting their performance on the international stage. The need to compete with these well-supported domestic leagues remains a key obstacle for the future success of Australian rugby.