Wallabies prop joins the Waratahs
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After what turned out to be a season of disappointment for The Waratahs may suddenly turn a new corner, as they look set to welcome Test stars Taniela Tupou and Rob Leota at the franchise.
Several household names departed from the club end the end of the season, with their domestic rivals landing player after player over the past six months, the arrival of the Wallaby duo from the Rebels will breathe some much-needed life back into the Waratahs’ program.
Given the shortage up front, as well as the fact Rugby Australia’s headquarters are across Anzac Parade from the Waratahs’ headquarters in Daceyville, Tupou has long been linked with a move up to Sydney.
But after months of negotiations
Taniela Tupou has signed with the Waratahs and will form an all-international front-row packing down alongside Angus Bell and Dave Porecki, who captained the Wallabies in three of their four World Cup fixtures in 2023.
Although Tupou is the biggest signing in the pack since Jacques Potgieter in 2014, the Waratahs aren’t planning for the Tongan Thor to be at the Super Rugby franchise for long despite a home World Cup on the horizon.
With budgets getting tighter and Rugby Australia trying to rein in spending, it’s understood the governing body is already resigned to the fact they won’t be able to extend his $1million contract beyond 2025.
Rob Leota (R) is set to join his Wallabies teammate Angus Bell at the Waratahs. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Leota had originally listed the Reds as his preferred franchise, but after Queensland turned their attention to re-signing Liam Wright, it was ultimately settled that the Waratahs would be a better fit for all parties.
The former Rebels skipper, who missed the July Tests with a hamstring injury, will help give the Waratahs the punch and experience they lost once Ned Hanigan decided to follow Lachie Swinton to France.
Although the Waratahs were keen on signing a top-tier second-rower, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is expected to return to Ballymore after two seasons away from the Reds.
The Waratahs are still negotiating with Isaac Kailea, with the Wallabies rookie garnering some serious interest in France after a strong start to his international career.
McKellar is also exploring whether to bring in another openside flanker, with Ned Slack-Smith battling concussions and former Rebels skipper Brad Wilkin suffering another injury.
After being behind the eight-ball for much of the season as they worked out what to do with former coach Darren Coleman, the Waratahs are moving closer to announcing a 10-day tour of Japan later this year.
It’s believed McKellar’s new-look Waratahs will play two matches in Japan, including taking on Robbie Deans’ Wild Knights.
With NRL star Joseph Suaalii and Andrew Kellaway to join the franchise next season, the Waratahs’ fortunes are set to turn around.
For a cash-strapped union in need of an injection of hope ahead of the new broadcast deal, the winter signing spree couldn’t come at a better time for the Waratahs and, indeed, Australian rugby.
Meanwhile, the Force have signed Canberra-born back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny.
The 28-year-old made 56 appearances for Castres Olympique in the French Top 14 and European Champions Cup and will provide Simon Cron a versatile option in the back-row.
“I’m excited about the move which presented after chats with Cronny. I didn’t get a taste of Super Rugby when I was younger in Australia so I cannot wait for the opportunity,” the former Sydney University talent said.
“It’s great timing for me and the Force, who I can see are building something great. I’ve plenty of close friends at the Force and I want to see how far I can go in Australia which is where you need to be playing in my mind.
“Living and playing in France, I’ve learned a lot about myself culturally but also learned a lot about my rugby, playing 10 months of the year against international quality players week-in week-out.
“Cronny saw an opportunity for me to bring a different profile to the Force’s back-row options with my physicality and aggression. I cannot wait to get into training with the group.”
