Contracted until the end of the 2020 Super Rugby season, NSWRU General Manager of Rugby, Tim Rapp wasted no time securing Swinton’s signature for a further two years.
“Lachy has been really impressive in his debut season at Super Rugby level, he’s a player with a bright future ahead of him,” Rapp said.
“We’ve seen him develop right through our pathways in New South Wales and Lachy has shown he has the skills, drive and work ethic to succeed at the top level.
“He’s tough, he’s physical and he’s an excellent defender. The type of character who won’t take a backwards step in any situation, Lachy will be an important player for us in the coming years.
“This [contract extension] secures Lachy’s future here in New South Wales and I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits that another pre-season and increased game time will have on his development.”
Swinton joined the NSW Waratahs Super Rugby squad in 2018 after standout performances in the Gen Blue U20s program between 2015 and 2017.
The damaging forward also spent time with the Australian U20s set up, taking part in the 2017 Junior World Championship in Georgia.
The 2019 Super Rugby season saw Swinton earn 13 caps, whilst turning in some eye-catching performances.
It was a season that saw him take home the Chris Whitaker Aspiring Waratah Award, a gong previously won by the likes of Bernard Foley, Will Skelton and Damien Fitzpatrick.
More recently he’s been an integral part of Sydney University’s 2019 campaign, helping the Students finish atop the Shute Shield ladder at the end of the regular season, and take out a second consecutive premiership.
Swinton said he’s excited to build on his tally of Super Rugby appearances in the seasons to come.
“To play Super Rugby for the Waratahs has always being a dream of mine, to play in front of family and friends at Brookvale [Round 1] was even more special and that experience fuelled me to play as hard as I could this season [2019],” Swinton said.
“To represent our state at the top level is something I don't take lightly, every time I'm fortunate enough to pull on the Waratahs jersey I take great pride in representing the kids and people playing rugby right across New South Wales.
“I couldn’t ask for a better squad at the Waratahs, we have strong connections on and off the field which creates an enjoyable work environment.”
After a strong start to the National Rugby Championship for Sydney, Swinton will sit out the remainder of the competition as he prepares for the Super Rugby pre-season.
