Waratahs land another big name from Rebels

07/31/2024 05:15 AM

TRANSFER NEWS: The NSW Waratahs announced the signing of Wallabies forward Rob Leota for the 2025 season.

The former Melbourne Rebels captain will add considerable leadership, experience, and toughness to the Waratahs forward pack, where he will reunite with Wallabies teammates such as Angus Bell, Langi Gleeson, and David Porecki.

Leota is equally adept at either lock or in the backrow and his intense physicality on both sides of the ball is renowned internationally.

Growing up in Melbourne, Leota represented Australia at both Schoolboys and Under-20 level before making his Super Rugby debut for the Rebels against the Crusaders in 2016.

Leota grew to become a cornerstone of the Rebels forward pack and went onto make his Wallabies debut in 2021 against South Africa, where Australia defeated the World Cup champions 28-26.

"We're extremely pleased to have Rob joining our club," said NSW Waratahs Director of Performance Simon Raiwalui.

"Rob led the Rebels with distinction and has proven his ability on the world stage with the Wallabies.

"I'm excited to see the positive influence he will have on our emerging forwards and the power and physicality he will provide us on the field in 2025."

Leota, who has family ties in Sydney, has settled into life well in the harbour city and is happy to have found a new home at the Waratahs.

"It's great to be here at the Tahs, I've settled in really well," Leota said.

"I've got good relationships with Belly, Porecki and a few other boys, but I've also got a lot of family in Sydney as well which has made the transition easier for me, especially leaving home for the first time.

"It's good to obviously have some Rebels boys here as well that I've played with the last couple of years. Darby is a Wallaby now and I know that he and Kellaway will both be great additions to the Tahs next year.

"Dan McKellar was another big reason why I came here as well. He's a coach that's hard but fair. He's going to expect us to work hard and concentrate on the little effort areas.

"I'm looking to use my experience and help the young boys here, especially the guys in my position. It's about challenging myself too. I don't want to just come here and take a backwards step. I really want to enjoy my time here and get some good wins next year.

"I can't wait to run out onto Allianz Stadium for the first time as a Tah."