The NSW Waratahs will bid farewell to a number of players from this year’s 2023 Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific season.
Headlined by the departure of club legend Michael Hooper, whose future remains undecided beyond this year’s Rugby World Cup. 2023 was Hoopers final season in the sky blue, amassing 141 appearances, making him the fourth most capped player in the history of the Waratahs. He won the Matt Burke Cup a record seven times and we undoubtedly go down as one of the all-time greats.
Joining Hooper, Te Tera Faulkner will depart after four seasons with the NSW Waratahs earning himself 48 caps and 147 appearances across three teams in his Super Rugby career.
Flyhalf Ben Donaldson, a product of the NSW pathway program, having graduated through the NSW Schoolboys, Shute Shield and NSW Academy system before debuting for the Waratahs in 2020 will depart for the Western Force in 2024.
Joining Donaldson at the Force is number eight, Will Harris, another product of Waratahs pathway program making his debut in 2020 and earning 41 matches for the Waratahs.
Following his second stint at the club, Tolu Latu, heads back to France having played 67 matches since making his debut in 2014.
Joining Latu, is Taleni Seu, who is set to continue his career in Japan after 13 appearances for the Waratahs this year.
Fijian International, Nemani Nadolo will retire from rugby.
NSW Waratahs Women’s halfback Iliseva Batibasaga will retire from rugby having earnt 25 appearances and claiming four Super W Championships, Batibasaga will be remember as one of the best to don the sky blue. Joining Batibasaga, flanker Fi Jones will also retire from rugby after earning 18 appearances in our Champion Super W side.
The NSW Waratahs can also confirm the departures of Harrison Goddard, Zane Marolt, Nephi Leatigaga, Tiaan Tauakipulu and Zac Von Appen.
The NSW Waratahs thank each of these players for their efforts and for their significant contribution to the sky-blue jersey and greater NSW Rugby community. We wish them all the best in the next chapter of your careers.
The NSW Waratahs will shortly commence announcing some exciting new signings and retention of key squad members as we build towards next year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
