The NSW Waratahs have secured the signature of highly-rated Junior Wallaby, Pat Tafa for the 2020 Vodafone Super Rugby season.
A member of the Gen Blue program since 2018, Tafa was part of the squad that made their way to the Final of the U20 Championships in Argentina earlier this year.
Tafa also made six appearances for the NSW Country Eagles in the 2019 National Rugby Championship (NRC) – turning in some eye-catching performances characterised by strong carries and hard-hitting work in defence.
A versatile forward who can operate in the second or back row, Tafa has excelled at junior representative level in both Queensland and New South Wales – joining the NSW Waratahs senior squad in 2019.
Plying his trade for Northern Suburbs in the Shute Shield, Tafa will be striving for a Super Rugby debut in 2020.
NSW Waratahs Head Coach, Rob Penney said that Tafa was part of a young brigade of players well-positioned to take the step to the next level.
“We’re in a very exciting spot here at the [NSW] Waratahs at the moment,” Penney said.
“Pat is part of a group of young players who have excelled at junior representative level and are in a good position to take that next step.
“He was part of our Super Rugby set up in 2019 and understands what’s required at this level.
“Pat’s performed strongly at a junior international level and in the NRC this season – he’s a prospect that our fans should be excited about.”
Tafa said the move to New South Wales had been a beneficial one and he was looking forward to 2020.
“I’m glad to be here at the [NSW] Waratahs for another season,” Tafa said.
“The coaching staff and my teammates have been really supportive, there’s some great people here at the [NSW] Waratahs who have helped me develop as a player.
“Being a part of the U20 World Championships this year was a great experience, there’s a lot of guys from that squad at the [NSW] Waratahs – it’s a great environment and I’m really enjoying my rugby here.”
Tafa will remain with Northern Suburbs in the Shute Shield in 2020.
