Australia is set to retain another talented Rebel, with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs announcing Wallabies prop Isaac Kailea has signed a new contract with Dan McKellar’s side for 2025.
The 24-year-old had a breakout season in 2024, with his strong Super Rugby Pacific form rewarded with selection in his first Wallabies squad in July, followed by an international debut in the first Test against Wales in Sydney.
His move was exclusively announced on The Roar at the start of August, as the Waratahs announced an imposing assistant coaching staff for the 2025 season – and it is expected fellow Rebels Ethan Dobbins, Angelo Smith and Daniel Maiava will follow Kailea to Daceyville.
Born and raised in Melbourne, the loosehead prop will further strengthen the Waratahs’ quality and depth in the front row, which also features his national teammates Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou, as well as Dave Porecki.
Of Tongan and Chilean descent, Kailea played back row as a junior before making the shift to the front row in 2018. He rose through the Victorian junior system before debuting for the Melbourne Rebels as 20-year-old in 2021 and enjoyed his best season of Super Rugby Pacific this year where he was among the club’s top performers in his 13 appearances.
Kailea has featured in every Wallabies squad so far in 2024, playing in four of the five Tests to date. He will travel with the group to Argentina ahead of their back-to-back Tests against Los Pumas in La Plata and Santa Fe as part of the Rugby Championship.
“I’m very happy to be joining the Waratahs and excited about the opportunity to play for such a proud club and improve my game under Dan McKellar and the coaching staff,” Kailea said in a press statement.
“I’m encouraged by the direction the Waratahs are moving in and am looking forward to working hard with some pinnacle events on the horizon for Rugby in Australia.”
His move has warmly welcomed by Waratahs Director of Performance, Simon Raiwalui and Rugby Australia’s Director of High-Performance, Peter Horne, as they continue to drive to keep as much of the Rebels players in Australia
“Isaac is a good young player and one of the most promising props in the country,“ said Raiwalui in the announcement press statement.
He’s tough, durable and a dynamic scrummager, and importantly, his best years are ahead of him.
“I’m excited to see how he gels with the likes of Angus Bell, David Porecki and Taniela Tupou and the positive impact he will make next year.”
Win a Ziggy BBQ for Grand Final day, thanks to Barbeques Galore! Enter Here.
“It’s a real positive to have Isaac commit his immediate future to Australian Rugby,” echoed Horne in the same press statement.
“He’s a good young player who has made strong progress this year and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue to work hard at the Waratahs.”
Isaac Kailea made his Wallabies debut against Wales in Sydney on July 6, 2024. Photo: Brendan Hertel, Rugby Australia
إرسال تعليق