Rugby Transfers: Wallabies star joins Waratahs while another one leaves Australia and All Blacks flyer recommits to Moana Pasifika

David Skippers
Transfers image 20 June 2024.jpg

Wallabies duo Andrew Kellaway and Izack Rodda and former All Black Julian Savea.

The Waratahs have bolstered their ranks by bringing in Wallabies utility back Andrew Kellaway while another Australia international is off to France and two All Blacks recommit to their clubs.

In our latest rugby transfers and rumours, we take a look at signings which have affected some of the Super Rugby Pacific franchises.

Kellaway on his way to Sydney

Rugby Australia have confirmed that 26-Test Wallaby, Andrew Kellaway, has re-signed with them until at least the end of 2026 and he will join the Waratahs.

Kellaway is no stranger to the Sydney-based outfit as he made his Super Rugby debut with them in 2016 and played there until 2018. He then spent some time overseas before joining the now defunct Melbourne Rebels in 2020 and represented them until this year.

The 28-year-old made his Test debut for Australia in 2021 against France and made 14 appearances for the Wallabies and scored nine tries in his first year of international rugby.

His superb form in his first year on the Test scene resulted in Kellaway being named Rugby Australia Rookie of the Year that season.

He made 50 appearances over his four seasons with the Rebels but is now looking forward to furthering his career at the Waratahs.

“I’d like to thank the Rebels for giving me the opportunity to return to Australian Rugby back in 2020, something I’m incredibly grateful for,” he said. “I’d also like to thank my teammates, the staff and Rebels fans for the experiences and support over the past four seasons.”

“To be able to return to the Waratahs after six years feels like a full circle for my Rugby journey and I look forward to working hard for the club next year.”

Rugby Australia director of high-performance Peter Horne said: “It’s really positive to have Andrew re-commit to Australian Rugby.

“He’s a leader amongst his peers and someone who has performed consistently for both his club and his country for a number of seasons.”

Waratahs chief executive Paul Doorn added: “We’re delighted to have a player of Andrew’s calibre returning home to NSW.

“Andrew is a Waratahs junior and current Wallaby who will add class, experience, strike power and versatility to our backline in 2025.”

Izack Rodda joins French club

Rugby Transfers: Springboks back decides future, next SBW targeted by French giants, Hooper extends

Meanwhile, Kellaway’s Wallabies team-mate, second-row Izack Rodda, has decided not sign a new contract with Rugby Australia after reportedly agreeing terms with French second division outfit Provence.

According to The Roar, the 27-year-old, who represented the Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific in 2024, was negotiating a new contract with Rugby Australia which would’ve seen him moving to the Waratahs, but he opted to join Provence instead.

Rodda is no stranger to France as he represented Top 14 club Lyon in 2020 and 2021. He will join former Wales utility back George North at Provence, while fellow Wallabies second-row Ned Hanigan has also signed a deal with the Pro D2 outfit ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Rodda’s departure will be a blow for new Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt, who was hoping to select the lock in his squad for their upcoming Tests against Wales and Georgia in July.

Julian Savea recommits to Moana Pasifika

Elsewhere, Moana Pasifika confirmed the re-signing of former All Blacks flyer Julian Savea for the 2025 season.

Since joining Moana Pasifika, Savea, who was moved from the wing to inside centre, and played in 12 of their 14 matches. The 33-year-old delivered consistent performances on a weekly basis and solidified his midfield spot.

Affectionately known as “The Bus”, the 54-Test All Black said he is excited to keep building with Moana Pasifika.

“I’m really happy to re-sign with Moana Pasifika. What I’m looking forward to most about 2025 is getting another opportunity to make the playoffs and get better as a team. Also for me personally just becoming the best 12 in the competition,” said Savea.

“This environment has been amazing experiencing my culture everyday and getting the best out of myself and the team.”

Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga praised Savea’s impact at the club so far.

“Julian had a standout year for us in a relatively new position in the midfield. So much so he won our best back of the year award,” he said.

“I feel he’s only going to get better in this position. He was also a strong leader for us this year both on and off the field. He was able to show our young players how to be more professional in their approach to preparation and the game itself.

“We’re excited to have the Bus carrying us forward again next season.”

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