Wallabies back-rower Langi Gleeson is closing in on a return to the field after nine months sidelined with an ACL injury, and Rugby Australia wants him to return home after his Montpellier contract expires next June, according to informed sources.
Gleeson, 25, has played only two games since joining the French club last October, battling a heel problem before damaging his ACL in January. Making his first start for Montpellier, against the Ospreys in Wales, he lasted just 20 minutes after an opponent landed awkwardly on his knee during a tackle.
In last Sunday’s 23-point defeat against England, England No. 8 Ben Earl made 73 metres from 22 carries, nearly as much as the 83 metres managed by the entire starting Australian pack. The statistic highlighted the Wallabies’ lack of muscle in the forwards; Gleeson added starch to the pack in wins over the British & Irish Lions and South Africa last year.
Gleeson said the injury and recovery, away from his family in Sydney, had been one of the toughest periods of his life.
“I was lucky to have my partner over from last Christmas in Montpellier because as soon as I got injured I was basically useless,” he said. “She was cooking, cleaning, doing everything, while I was on the bed the whole time. I think if I didn’t have anyone here I don’t know how I would have survived, to be honest. In Australia you’ve got family and stuff that look after you.”
He spent the past nine months rehabilitating in a separate area away from the main group, watching teammates train. “It does get lonely when you’re in the gym and you’re watching the boys train and doing all these things that you wish you could do on the field,” he said. “It’s a bit depressing but I knew my time would come. I just keep putting my head down, keep working. Nothing lasts forever.”
Gleeson is back in training, building strength in his left knee, and hopes to play again in December. He remains open to returning to Australia and motivated to play for the Wallabies.
“With all my conversations with my manager, everything is just waiting until I get on the field and start playing because the main thing is I’m here to play,” he said. “I just feel like I owe it to Montpellier as well. I’ve missed a big chunk of time here. I was talking to my partner the other day, [asking] ‘Do I regret coming here or should I have stayed in Australia?’ … I’m still happy I made this decision to come here.”
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The Wallabies pack has been outmuscled in recent Tests, notably in the England defeat, and Gleeson’s explosive ball-carrying and gain-line breaking are qualities the side currently lacks.
- His return to form and fitness would give the Wallabies a crucial weapon ahead of next year’s World Cup, and Rugby Australia’s interest signals a potential long-term solution at No.8.
- Gleeson’s recovery timeline, targeting a December return, will determine whether he can force his way into selection contention for the 2027 World Cup.
Background
Gleeson was named the Waratahs’ best player in 2025 after a standout domestic season. He carried that form into international rugby, impressing against the British & Irish Lions and South Africa before moving to Montpellier in Europe. The ACL injury in January derailed his momentum and left him unable to play for most of the French season.
Key Perspectives
Rugby Australia (via informed sources): Wants Gleeson to return home when his Montpellier contract expires next June.
Langi Gleeson: Stays open-minded about returning to Australia but is focused on proving himself on the field for Montpellier first. He does not regret his decision to move to France, despite the injury struggles.
What to Watch
- Gleeson’s return to the field in December: whether he regains his speed and impact quickly.
- Contract negotiations next year: if he proves his fitness, Rugby Australia and European clubs may compete for his signature.
- The Wallabies’ forward pack performance in the coming Tests: continued struggles would increase pressure to bring Gleeson home early.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedThe headline says Langi Gleeson is nearing a return to play.The Age - Latest News: “The Wallabies desperately need more power. A missing weapon is nearing his return.”
- SupportedRugby Australia reportedly wants Gleeson to return home after his Montpellier contract expires next June.The Age - Latest News: “According to informed sources, Rugby Australia want Gleeson to return home after his contract expires next June”
- SupportedGleeson is described as an explosive ball-carrier.The Age - Latest News: “Gleeson’s game is built on explosive ball-carrying and breaking the gain line.”
- SupportedGleeson has been sidelined for nine months while recovering from an ACL injury.The Age - Latest News: “The 25-year-old is on the comeback trail after a nightmare nine months recovering from an ACL injury.”
- SupportedGleeson hopes to play again in December.The Age - Latest News: “he is back in training and building strength in his left knee, and hopes to get back on the field in December.”
- SupportedBen Earl made 73 metres from 22 carries in last Sunday’s 23-point defeat against England, nearly matching the starting Australian pack’s 83 metres.The Age - Latest News: “the 73 metres from 22 carries by England No. 8 Ben Earl was nearly as much as the cumulative total of the entire starting Australian pack, which managed 83.”
- SupportedSince joining Montpellier last October, Gleeson has played only two games, after a heel problem and then an ACL injury in January.The Age - Latest News: “Since joining the French giants last October, Gleeson has only played two games, after battling a heel problem then damaging his ACL in January.”
- SupportedIn his first Montpellier start against the Ospreys in Wales, Gleeson lasted 20 minutes after an opponent landed awkwardly on his knee during a tackle.The Age - Latest News: “Making his first start for Montpellier, on a muddy field in Wales against the Ospreys, Gleeson lasted just 20 minutes after an opponent awkwardly landed on his knee during a routine tackle.”
- SupportedGleeson said his partner was visiting from last Christmas and helped care for him after his injury.The Age - Latest News: ““I was lucky to have my partner over from last Christmas in Montpellier because as soon as I got injured I was basically useless,” Gleeson said.”
- SupportedGleeson said his partner cooked and cleaned while he was on the bed.The Age - Latest News: ““She was cooking, cleaning, doing everything, while I was on the bed the whole time.”
- SupportedGleeson said rehabilitation felt lonely when he watched his teammates train, and called it a bit depressing.The Age - Latest News: ““It does get lonely when you’re in the gym and you’re watching the boys train and doing all these things that you wish you could do on the field,” he said. “It’s a bit depressing”
- SupportedGleeson said he owes it to Montpellier and is still happy he chose to go there.The Age - Latest News: ““I just feel like I owe it to Montpellier as well. I’ve missed a big chunk of time here. “I was talking to my partner the other day, [asking] ‘Do I regret coming here or should I have stayed in Australia?’ “I believe that when you make your bed, you lie in it – and I’m still happy I made this decision to come here.””