Robertson pens new Waratahs deal

Editor

The Waratahs have announced the re-signing of 21-year-old prop, Tom Robertson who has committed to the club for a further two seasons until 2018.

The self-confessed scrum analyst has earned the respect of Waratahs’ team-mates and supporters alike, just 13 games into his professional career, after demonstrating a proven ability in the front row.

The country-New South Wales-born forward made his first Super Rugby appearance earlier this year, bursting through three Highlanders defenders to score his opening Waratahs’ try on debut.

His efforts off the field are just as impressive. Robertson is currently one of the highest level athletes to be studying his Doctor of Medicine full-time at Sydney University through their Elite Athlete Program, after finishing his Bachelor of Medical Science last year.

Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson said he was very pleased to see yet another of New South Wales' rugby talents decide to recommit to the club.

“Tom’s been one of the finds of the season,” he told the Waratahs' official website.

“His efforts in balancing and managing his studies together with his work on the field is remarkable.

"Tom loves the scrum, and with that attitude, and his willingness to work hard and be the best, the team can only benefit.

"Like many of the new talented players who have stepped up for the Tahs this year, Tom is another exciting prospect for us. He has added a lot to the front row and I’m really looking forward to seeing how he continues to develop with the Waratahs."

Born in Wellington in country New South Wales, Robertson is considered one of the Dubbo area’s brightest young prospects. The former number-eight-turned-prop has played rugby since the under 8s for the Dubbo Roos.

Schooled at one of New South Wales' top rugby nurseries, St Joseph’s College, Robertson was selected to take part in the Australian Rugby Union’s National Gold high performance camp in 2009 at the age of 15.

He was called upon to represent as an Australian Schoolboy in 2012 before contributing to the team’s historic 16-14 win over New Zealand Schools in 2013. 

A member of the New South Wales U20 side, Robertson was also a representative of the Australian U20s in 2014, which saw New South Wales players make up approximately half of the team, including his current Waratah team-mates, Andrew Kellaway, Jack Dempsey and Jim Stewart.

Last year, as part of the Sydney Stars Buildcorp National Rugby Championship side, he held the leading try-scoring spot as a prop.