The NSW Waratahs have today announced their squad for the upcoming 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition, unveiling a mix of fresh faces, returning Test stars, and a commitment to developing pathways talent.
Headlining the Waratahs 2023 squad is the return of Wallabies Kurtley Beale, Tolu Latu, and Fijian Test star Nemani Nadolo.
Beale returns from France where he spent two seasons with Racing 92, bringing invaluable experience to the Waratahs outside backs. Beale will become the all-time most-capped Waratah next season, currently sitting one cap behind Benn Robinson.
Tolu Latu also returns from a stint in France with Stade Francais, adding Test experience to the Waratah’s already impressive hooker stocks.
Fiji Test Superstar Nemani Nadolo returns to the Waratahs, where he was originally contracted in 2008.
One of world rugby’s box office players, Nadolo joins the Waratahs with an illustrious Test and club resume, adding a wealth of knowledge, size, and experience to the outside backs.
The second-row stocks have been bolstered with a mixture of youth and experience with the signings of Taleni Seu (Chiefs), Zac Von Appen (Sydney Uni), and Zane Marolt (ACT Brumbies).
Harrison Goddard adds depth at scrumhalf, linking up with Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman whom he won two titles in two seasons under at Gordon and the LA Giltinis in Major League Rugby.
The Waratahs’ development pathway continues to provide the side plenty of talent, with Teddy Wilson, Harry Wilson, Ben Dowling, and Jack Bowen all promoted into the full-time playing squad for the 2023 season.
Max Jorgensen joins the side for pre-season after graduating through the Waratahs Gen Blue Academy Pathway where he has played a starring role since the U15 age level.
Waratahs General Manager of Rugby Andrew Blades said “The squad is shaping up nicely for our 2023 campaign with the addition of some key experienced players to complement our younger core.
“Our squad has benefitted immensely from the Australia A program with many of the squad getting high-quality experience against Test match opposition, helping accelerate their development.
“We now are in the position where our squad has 15 players with Test experience and a further eight who have been involved in the Australia A program.
“Our pathways are looking incredibly strong, and we are delighted with the continuing number of players graduating into our full-time squad.”
The Waratahs open their 2023 Super Rugby Pacific against the Brumbies on Friday 24 February at Allianz Stadium.
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NSW Waratahs 2023 Playing Squad
Props Angus Bell (Sydney University), Tiaan Taukipulu (Randwick), Te Tera Faulkner (Southern Districts), Harry Johnson-Holmes (Sydney University), Tom Lambert (Sydney University), Archer Holz (Eastern Suburbs)
Hookers David Porecki (Manly), Mahe Vailanu (Gordon), Tolu Latu (Sydney University)
Locks Jed Holloway (Southern Districts), Hugh Sinclair (Northern Suburbs), Zane Marolt (Eastern Suburbs), Taleni Seu (TBC), Zac Von Appen (Sydney University)
Backrow Lachie Swinton (Sydney University), Michael Hooper (Manly), Will Harris (Eastern Suburbs), Ned Hanigan (Randwick), Langi Gleeson (Manly), Charlie Gamble (Eastern Suburbs)
Halves Jake Gordon (Sydney University), Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs), Harrison Goddard (Gordon), Tane Edmed (Eastwood), Ben Donaldson (Randwick), Jack Bowen (Eastern Suburbs)
Centres Joey Walton (Gordon), Lalakai Foketi (Manly), Izaia Perese (Randwick), Mosese Tuipulotu (Eastern Suburbs)
Utility Backs Harry Wilson (Eastwood), Will Harrison (Randwick)
Outside Backs Mark Nawaqanitawase (Eastwood), Dylan Pietsch (Randwick), Nemani Nadolo (TBC), Kurtley Beale (Randwick), Ben Dowling (Randwick), Max Jorgensen (TBC)
Waratahs Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Darren Coleman
Forwards Coach: Pauli Taumoepeau
Backs Coach: Chris Whitaker
Defence Coach: Jason Gilmore
