澳大利亚橄榄球锁定后卢汉·萨拉卡亚-洛托在被前教练乔·施密特遗漏后，已获得新教练莱斯·基斯的征召[1]。萨拉卡亚-洛托原本因身体状况不佳而被施密特剔除出7月国际比赛名单，后者曾表示希望选拔"快速跳跃的锁定后"[1]。在本赛季超级橄榄球联赛中表现出色的萨拉卡亚-洛托获得了新的机会，他被选入年度最佳球队[1]，并为红队增重至140公斤，相比平时的132-133公斤有所提升[1]。
对于被施密特遗漏，萨拉卡亚-洛托以积极心态看待，他表示："你并不总是得到你应得的，我想。不能过分纠缠于此。"[1]他认为这段未被选中的时间能够陪伴家人[1]。与此同时，澳大利亚橄榄球协会宣布了一项扩展计划，计划利用1500万澳元联邦政府资金，到2029年将女性参赛人数增加70%，整体参赛人数增加40%[1]。这笔资金是9000万澳元橄榄球世界杯一揽子计划的一部分[1]。
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has been recalled to the Australian rugby squad by new coach Les Kiss following his omission from former coach Joe Schmidt's selection [1]. Schmidt had excluded the lock due to fitness concerns, stating he wanted "quick-jumping locks" for the July international matches against Ireland, France, and Italy [1]. Despite the disappointment of being overlooked after a strong Super Rugby Pacific season—during which he was named in the team of the year—Salakaia-Loto has maintained a positive outlook [1]. The 140-kilogram forward, who added weight from his usual 132-133 kilograms this season, acknowledged the situation philosophically, saying "you don't always get what you deserve, I suppose. Can't dwell on it too much" [1].
Beyond the player's return, Rugby Australia has announced an ambitious expansion plan backed by A$15 million in federal government funding as part of a A$90 million Rugby World Cup package [1]. The organization aims to increase female participation by 70 percent and overall player numbers by 40 percent by 2029 [1].