After in an injury riddled season with up to 20 players unavailable for selection for the NSW Waratahs final Trans-Tasman match against the Chiefs, the backrow has been the one area where the coaches have had a positive selection headache.
NSW Waratahs Co-Coaches Chris Whitaker and Jason Gilmore have quality backrow stocks with Jack Dempsey, Lachie Swinton, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris and Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco all vying for the three starting spots.
It’s been a different path to the Waratahs for Warren-Vosayaco, with the former Endeavor Sports High student and Southern Districts player spending five seasons in Japan before making debut for his home state.
“I can always look back on my time in Japan fondly, it gave me my first chance to play professional rugby and support myself and my family,” Warren-Vosayaco said.
“I learnt a lot in Japan and If I stayed in Australia, I might not be here right now, I could be still playing grade or working.
“So, I got to take it as I got an opportunity over there and I’ve luckily come back here.”
The talented backrower signed with the Waratahs three months ago and has been training with the side since the beginning of the Trans-Tasman campaign but tightness from hotel quarantine stalled Warren-Vosayaco’s debut for the team.
Warren-Vosayco would make his debut off the bench last weekend against the Highlanders but could be thrown straight into the starting side for this Saturday’s clash with the Chiefs. Warren-Vosayaco combined well with Dempsey and Swinton against the Highlanders and is a chance to link with his Wallaby capped teammates again this weekend.
“I was definitely excited seeing Swinno, and when I was coming up I got to play against Demmo, they’re great players,” Vosayaco said.
“I think I’ll be able to learn a lot from them and hopefully I can offer something back to them. I’m keen on building a chemistry there with all the backrowers here.”
While it’s been a difficult season for the Waratahs after a season of losses and a casualty ward resembling a M*A*S*H episode, the morale of the side has never been questioned.
“To be fair I think the team has done what they can quite well with the hand they’ve been dealt, it’s been a pretty tough year injury wise. I think we’ve been able to make do.
“It’s been a tough year on the boys but if you come in here and listen to the boys talk, they’re always keen and always hungry to learn and get better and I’m happy to be a part of that."
The Waratahs face the Chiefs in the final round of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Trans-Tasman at Brookvale Oval and is live and exclusive on GEM and StanSport.
Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com.au
