Australian rugby has been dealt a warning sign, and they may need to address their concerns soon with news that Lachie Swinton is set to leave for French Top 14 club Bordeaux after next year’s Super Rugby season. Swinton, a 26-year-old international back-rower, was offered a contract extension and a top-up by Rugby Australia, but without a director of national rugby or a Wallabies coach in place, he has decided to accept a more lucrative offer from Bordeaux. The departure of Swinton, who earned double his Waratahs salary with the French club, highlights the need for key appointments within the Australian rugby organization. Additionally, the impending departure of Swinton also serves as a reminder for Rugby Australia to act quickly, especially with the NRL and several French and Japanese clubs expressing interest in other Australian players. Despite experiencing setbacks due to injury and discipline issues, Swinton’s potential as a key player for the Wallabies remains evident, as highlighted by his strong performances for Australia A and the Barbarians. Meanwhile, other aspects of Australian rugby continue to develop, with Waratahs recruit Miles Amatosero set to join his teammates, and Brumbies playmaker Noah Lolesio returning from a short stint in France.