Perth-born Western Force flanker Carlo Tizzano is poised for a defining 2026 campaign, with club icon Matt Hodgson forecasting a surge to even greater performance levels following a spectacular breakout year.
From Local Hero to National Contender
Carlo Tizzano's 2025 season was nothing short of extraordinary. In a rare feat for a forward, he topped the Super Rugby Pacific try-scoring charts with 13 tries, outpacing all the competition's speediest outside backs despite missing three matches. His defensive work was equally formidable, making 198 tackles—a top-ten tally for the season.
His standout performance came in a historic round-two victory over the Brumbies, where he executed a perfect 34 tackles without a single miss. This defensive masterclass set a new Opta Sports record for the most tackles in a Super Rugby game since they began tracking data in 2012.
Recognition followed his on-field exploits. Tizzano finished fourth in the competition's best player voting and was later crowned the league's best Australian player at Rugby Australia's annual awards. His form earned him nine Test caps for the Wallabies in 2025, including a start in the pivotal second Test against the British and Irish Lions.
The Challenge of Consistency and Growth
With such a high bar set, the challenge now is maintaining and exceeding that standard. Former Force captain and fellow openside flanker Ian Prior acknowledged the mental toll that comes with newfound expectation.
"Being able to deliver week-in, week-out, year-on-year is the new challenge for him," Prior said. "He's set the bar where his minimum level is. Now it's about trying to hold that consistently and then sharpening up the better performances to reach new heights."
Matt Hodgson, a former Force and Wallabies number seven, believes Tizzano's game intelligence at the breakdown can develop further. "As he continues to grow and understand the game, that's one element we'll see improvement in," Hodgson noted, emphasising the art of impacting rucks without conceding penalties.
Eyes on the Wallabies' Number Seven Jersey
The ultimate ascent for the 25-year-old lies at the international level. Tizzano started only one Test for the Wallabies in 2025 and was omitted from the Perth home Test against the All Blacks, largely due to the outstanding form of incumbent openside Fraser McReight.
This internal competition, however, is seen as a powerful motivator. Ian Prior drew parallels with McReight's own journey, challenging the great Michael Hooper for the jersey. "Carlo competing against that week-in, week-out... it's only going to make him a better player in the long term," Prior stated.
Amid significant interest from overseas clubs, Tizzano demonstrated his commitment to Australian rugby by signing a two-year contract extension with the Western Force, a deal that will see him through to the home 2027 Rugby World Cup.
With his unique Perth roots, extroverted personality showcased on his popular YouTube vlog, and a relentless work ethic, Carlo Tizzano has all the ingredients to transform his 2025 breakthrough into a lasting legacy for both the Sea of Blue and the Wallabies.
