As Brumbies coach, Dan McKellar shortly set about making certain he had the perfect tight-five in Australia. Now, he’s on his strategy to replicating it at his new Tremendous Rugby franchise by placing some meat on the bones on the Waratahs.
Certainly, lower than a month after signing on because the Waratahs’ new coach, the previous Wallabies assistant has added versatile Take a look at ahead Rob Leota to his ranks. The addition comes per week after The Roar first reported that the Rebels skipper was locked and loaded to go to Daceyville together with Wallabies big Taniela Tupou.
“It’s nice to be right here on the Tahs, I’ve settled in rather well,” mentioned Leota, whose official signing comes sizzling on the heels of Darby Lancaster becoming a member of on Tuesday.
“I’ve acquired good relationships with Stomach [Angus Bell], [Dave] Porecki and some different boys, however I’ve additionally acquired plenty of household in Sydney as effectively which has made the transition simpler for me, particularly leaving residence for the primary time.
“It’s good to clearly have some Rebels boys right here as effectively that I’ve performed with the final couple of years. Darby is a Wallaby now and I do know that he and [Andrew] Kellaway will each be nice additions to the Tahs subsequent 12 months.
“Dan McKellar was one other huge purpose why I got here right here as effectively. He’s a coach that’s arduous however truthful. He’s going to count on us to work arduous and focus on the little effort areas.
“I’m trying to make use of my expertise and assist the younger boys right here, particularly the fellows in my place. It’s about difficult myself, too. I don’t wish to simply come right here and take a backwards step. I actually wish to get pleasure from my time right here and get some good wins subsequent 12 months.”
Rob Leota will be part of Wallabies teammate Angus Bell on the Waratahs in 2025. (Photograph by Chris Hyde/Getty Pictures)
New NSW Waratahs Director of Efficiency Simon Raiwalui added: “Rob led the Rebels with distinction and has confirmed his potential on the world stage with the Wallabies.
“I’m excited to see the optimistic affect he may have on our rising forwards and the ability and physicality he’ll present us on the sector in 2025.”
The duo will not be the one bits of starch McKellar has lured to Sydney.
The Roar can reveal that McKellar has signed Australian-born Hurricanes lock Ben Grant in addition to Rebels ahead Angelo Smith.
The 26-year-old performed 5 matches for the Hurricanes this season and got here off the bench throughout their 41-12 win over the Waratahs in Wellington in Might.
Whereas Grant performed for the Pressure for 3 seasons throughout their stint in Andrew Forrest’s World Speedy Rugby match, the Townsville-born lock’s profession took off throughout a stint within the Main League Rugby competitors for San Diego.
Australian-born Hurricanes lock Ben Grant is on the transfer to the Waratahs within the newest signing from Dan McKellar. (Photograph by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Pictures)
It was on the American franchise that Grant’s rise was observed, with North Harbour swooping on his providers.
His stint within the NPC proved to be the catalyst for the Hurricanes including the 205cm, 118kg lock on the Tremendous Rugby franchise.
Having rubbed shoulders with the likes of Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Brad Shields and Wallace Sititi, McKellar has shrewdly pounced on the Australian’s providers.
His inclusion will assist shore up the Waratahs’ tight-five points, with the 2014 Tremendous Rugby champions battling to draw and retain real second-rowers because the regular stream of exits of Kane Douglas, Jacques Potgieter and Will Skelton.
