Waratahs strengthen front-row stocks with the acquisition of Wallabies prop Isaac Kailea

The NSW Waratahs have today announced that Wallabies prop Isaac Kailea has signed for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The acquisition of Kailea will further strengthen the club’s quality and depth in the front-row department, which also features Kailea’s Wallabies teammates Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou.

At just 24 years of age, Kailea is one of Australia’s finest front-row prospects.

Making his rise even more remarkable is the fact that the former backrower has only played in the front-row since 2018.

Kailea, who is of Tongan and Chilean descent, rose through the Victorian junior system before enjoying a breakout year with the Melbourne Rebels in 2024 where he was among the club’s top performers in his 13 games.

A subsequent Wallabies call-up ensued, with Kailea becoming Wallaby #975 and going on to earn three national caps in total.

After a testing season for the club punctuated by a horrific injury toll in the front-row, Waratahs Director of Performance, Simon Raiwalui, is thrilled to have secured the services of Kailea.

“We’re very happy to have Isaac at the Waratahs in 2025,” Raiwalui said.

“Isaac is a good young player and one of the most promising props in the country.

“He’s tough, durable and a dynamic scrummager, and importantly, his best years are ahead of him.

“I’m excited to see how he gels with the likes of Angus Bell, David Porecki and Taniela Tupou and the positive impact he will make next year.”

Currently in camp with the Wallabies and future Waratahs teammates such as Andrew Kellaway, Jake Gordon and Dylan Pietsch, Kailea is excited to don the sky blue jersey in 2025.

“I’m very happy to be joining the Waratahs,” Kailea said.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to play for such a proud club and to improve my game under Dan McKellar.

“The Waratahs are moving in a positive direction and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Rugby Australia Director of High-Performance Peter Horne said: “It’s a real positive to have Isaac commit his immediate future to Australian Rugby.” “He’s a good young player who has made strong progress this year and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue to work hard at the Waratahs.”

Position: Prop Height: 192cm Weight: 125kg Born: 13 July, 2000 Place of birth: Melbourne, Australia Test debut: 2024 v Wales in Sydney Wallaby number: 975 Test caps: 4 Super Rugby debut: 2021 v Queensland Reds in Brisbane (playing for the Melbourne Rebels) Super Rugby caps: 22 (Melbourne Rebels) Junior Club: Harlequin Junior Rugby