Concern for Australia? Wallabies’ rising star with ‘best years ahead of him’ inks short-term deal

Wallabies front-row forward Isaac Kailea has signed a new contract with the Waratahs and Rugby Australia until the end of 2025, the Super Rugby Pacific outfit has announced.

Kailea, who is of Tongan and Chilean descent, is one of the rising stars of the Australian game and made his debut for the Wallabies in their first Test against Wales earlier this year.

The Melbourne-born loosehead prop joins the Sydney-based outfit from the now-defunct Rebels ahead of next year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

He started his career as a loose forward in his junior days but made the transition to the front-row in 2018.

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Since making his international debut, Kailea has been involved in four of Australia‘s five Tests in 2024 and has been included in Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt’s 35-man squad for their upcoming Rugby Championship Tests against Argentina in La Plata and Santa.

Kailea is looking forward to his stint at the Waratahs.

“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,” said the 24-year-old.

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“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.”

It has been reported that Kailea fielded interest from abroad and while Schmidt will be pleased he is sticking around for now, there will be concerns over the fact that he signed just a one-year contract with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs.

Meanwhile, Waratahs director of performance Simon Raiwalui is delighted that Kailea is joining the Sydneysiders.

‘His best years are ahead of him’

“We’re very happy to have Isaac at the Waratahs in 2025,” he said. “Isaac is a good young player and one of the most promising props in the country.

“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.”

Rugby Australia director of high-performance Peter Horne said: “It’s a real positive to have Isaac commit his immediate future to Australian Rugby.”

“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.”

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