Liam Gill reveals how his move back to Australia fell through

Former Wallabies flanker Liam Gill has revealed he was sounded out by Wallabies coaching staff to return home but was forced to take up a contract in Japan.

In an interview with Christy Doran at foxsports.com.au, Liam Gill revealed how he was approached by Wallabies coach Dave Rennie about returning home after four seasons in France with Toulon and Lyon.

Gill was referred to Rugby Australia director of rugby Scott Johnson, but only heard crickets.

‘The line went cold’: Wallaby’s telling admission after looking to return to Australia

But the desire to play for the Wallabies remains. It's a line Rugby Australia will look at when considering the eligibility laws.https://t.co/oiKZYJqSlG

— Christy Doran (@ChristypDoran) May 24, 2021

“I spoke with Dave [Rennie] and Tatsy [Wallabies defence coach Matt Taylor] and Wisey [Wallabies attack coach Scott Wisemantel] and had a great conversation. Laid my scenario out on the table and spoke openly, honestly about returning home and they forwarded me onto Scott Johnson and we had a bit of a chat. And then, I never heard from him again,” Gill told foxsports.com.au.

“I didn’t go into the debate of talking price, it was what I was thinking and feeling of doing and then I’ve never heard from him again.

“Once I had signed in Japan, Dave called and asked what had happened. I said we just never heard from Scotty Johnson, the line went cold.”

An outstanding back-rower, Gill has played just 15 Tests for the Wallabies with his career in Australia conceding with Michael Hooper and David Pocock - who were favoured by Michael Cheika. 

According to foxsports, it is understood that Johnson believed Gill was too interested in his price tag rather than wanting to return to Australia for the chance to play for the Wallabies.

“It was a fair two-way street,” Gill said.