The Waratahs’ season of disappointment is out of the blue about to show a brand new nook, with Dan McKellar set to welcome Take a look at stars Taniela Tupou and Rob Leota on the franchise.
After watching a number of family names depart the membership, while wanting on with envy as their home rivals landed participant after participant over the previous six months, the arrival of the Wallaby duo from the Rebels will breathe some much-needed life again into the Waratahs’ program.
Given the scarcity up entrance, in addition to the very fact Rugby Australia’s headquarters are throughout Anzac Parade from the Waratahs’ headquarters in Daceyville, Tupou has lengthy been linked with a transfer as much as Sydney.
However after months of negotiations, The Roar can reveal that Tupou is ready to be unveiled within the coming days.
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Taniela Tupou has signed with the Waratahs. (Picture by Cameron Spencer/Getty Pictures)
He’ll type an all-international front-row packing down alongside Angus Bell and Dave Porecki, who captained the Wallabies in three of their 4 World Cup fixtures in 2023.
His arrival comes regardless of some late curiosity from the Reds, who probably noticed the 28-year-old, who spent the perfect a part of a decade at Ballymore earlier than leaving on the finish of 2023, as somebody who might take them to a second Tremendous Rugby title.
Though Tupou is the most important signing within the pack since Jacques Potgieter in 2014, the Waratahs aren’t planning for the Tongan Thor to be on the Tremendous Rugby franchise for lengthy regardless of a house World Cup on the horizon.
With budgets getting tighter and Rugby Australia making an attempt to rein in spending, it’s understood the governing physique is already resigned to the very fact they received’t have the ability to prolong his $1million contract past 2025.
The Roar may reveal that Leota was given a tour round Waratahs headquarters on Wednesday.
It’s believed outgoing chief govt Paul Doorn gave Leota a tour across the new excessive efficiency facility. The tour got here simply days after the CEO was informed he would end up on the Waratahs within the coming months.
There Leota was met by new efficiency director Simon Raiwalui.
Rob Leota (R) is ready to hitch his Wallabies teammate Angus Bell on the Waratahs. (Picture by Chris Hyde/Getty Pictures)
Leota had initially listed the Reds as his most popular franchise, however after Queensland turned their consideration to re-signing Liam Wright, it was in the end settled that the Waratahs can be a greater match for all events.
The previous Rebels skipper, who missed the July Exams with a hamstring harm, will assist give the Waratahs the punch and expertise they misplaced as soon as Ned Hanigan determined to comply with Lachie Swinton to France.
Though the Waratahs had been eager on signing a top-tier second-rower, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is predicted to return to Ballymore after two seasons away from the Reds.
The Waratahs are nonetheless negotiating with Isaac Kailea, with the Wallabies rookie garnering some severe curiosity in France after a powerful begin to his worldwide profession.
McKellar can also be exploring whether or not to herald one other openside flanker, with Ned Slack-Smith battling concussions and former Rebels skipper Brad Wilkin struggling one other harm.
After being behind the eight-ball for a lot of the season as they labored out what to do with former coach Darren Coleman, the Waratahs are shifting nearer to asserting a 10-day tour of Japan later this yr.
It’s believed McKellar’s new-look Waratahs will play two matches in Japan, together with taking up Robbie Deans’ Wild Knights.
With NRL star Joseph Suaalii and Andrew Kellaway to hitch the franchise subsequent season, the Waratahs’ fortunes are set to show round.
For a cash-strapped union in want of an injection of hope forward of the brand new broadcast deal, the winter signing spree couldn’t come at a greater time for the Waratahs and, certainly, Australian rugby.
In the meantime, the Drive have signed Canberra-born back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny.
The 28-year-old made 56 appearances for Castres Olympique within the French High 14 and European Champions Cup and can present Simon Cron a flexible choice within the back-row.
“I’m excited concerning the transfer which offered after chats with Cronny. I didn’t get a style of Tremendous Rugby after I was youthful in Australia so I can’t await the chance,” the previous Sydney College expertise stated.
“It’s nice timing for me and the Drive, who I can see are constructing one thing nice. I’ve loads of shut pals on the Drive and I wish to see how far I can go in Australia which is the place you’ll want to be taking part in in my thoughts.
“Dwelling and taking part in in France, I’ve discovered lots about myself culturally but additionally discovered lots about my rugby, taking part in 10 months of the yr in opposition to worldwide high quality gamers week-in week-out.
“Cronny noticed a chance for me to carry a special profile to the Drive’s back-row choices with my physicality and aggression. I can’t wait to get into coaching with the group.”
