The NSW Waratahs have secured the immediate future of one of it’s rising stars, with young playmaker, Tane Edmed signing a two-year deal – joining Rob Penney’s squad full-time from the 2021 Super Rugby season.
Edmed was part of the New South Wales Rugby Academy system and more recently the Waratahs Elite Development Squad – training with the Super Rugby squad on a part-time basis.
The Trinity College product was also named the Dave Dennis Elite Youth Development Player at the completion of the 2020 season.
A representative cricketer and courted by rugby league, Edmed is the son of Balmain great, Steve who played more than 150 NRL games for the Tigers and North Queensland.
A decorated junior career saw stints with NSW at the Australian School Championships, the Australian Barbarians (schoolboy) and an invitation to train within the Australian Sevens program.
Originally plying his trade for Randwick in Colts, Edmed made the move to Eastwood this year to work under Ben Batger – steering his side to a Grand Final appearance in his debut season in the Shute Shield.
NSWRU General Manager of Rugby, Tim Rapp said it was important to retain players who had developed through the New South Wales system.
“Tane is a talented young player and we’ve seen the value of him playing week-in-and-week-out in club rugby this season,” Rapp said.
“His involvement with the Super Rugby squad has also accelerated his growth and we’re excited about his future here in New South Wales.
“It’s important that we identify and keep the talent that's coming through our pathways and Tane is a great example of that.
“He’s been able to benefit from working with the many quality coaches we have within our Academy – led by Andrew Cleverley, Shannon Fraser and Matt Evrard.”
NSW Waratahs Head Coach, Rob Penney was looking forward to having Edmed involved in the Super Rugby program full time.
“Tane has really impressed me since making his debut for Eastwood,” Penney said.
“To see a young man lead a team around the way he has this season is a credit to him.
“We’ve seen him around the group and the way he’s been able to meet the expectations of a professional program, the prospect of having him in full-time and working closely with Chris Whitaker and the wider coaching group will be fantastic for his development.”
In the midst of preparations for a Shute Shield Grand Final, Edmed said he was excited to sign his first professional contract.
“To sign a professional contract is something I’m really excited about,” Edmed said.
“I’ve worked hard get here and I’m thankful for all the help my family and coaches along the way have given me.
“The focus right now is Saturday afternoon [Shute Shield Grand Final] but then it’ll be looking ahead to the start of pre-season.
“I’ve learnt so much this season being around the Super Rugby squad and getting so much game time with Eastwood, I can’t wait for 2021.”
