The NSW Waratahs are thrilled to announce the signing of exciting New Zealand hooker Ioane Moananu from the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific championship winning Crusaders.
Moananu, 24, will provide valuable strength to a key area in the NSW Waratahs line-up.
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar said he and his coaching team had been impressed by Moananu’s development at the Crusaders where he debuted in 2023.
McKellar’s interest in Moananu was fueled particularly by the versatile hooker’s breakthrough performance in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Moananu, who has earned eighteen Super Rugby caps, played in twelve Super Rugby Pacific games for the Crusaders this season, scoring five tries.
Asked what attracted him to the NSW Waratahs, Ioane Moananu said: “The opportunity to play in Super Rugby … and for my career moving forward, it was the best decision.
“Then, meeting with Dan McKellar and hearing his vision and seeing his plan for the team and organisation was what ultimately made me want to sign.
“He has a great plan, and he has the right people in the right places.
"He has a way he wants to play the game, and it fits the way I play which I am looking forward too.”
Asked what impact he hopes to have on the NSW Waratahs’ future, Moananu said: “Whatever way I can help the team reach the top, I’ll gladly do it.
“I’m big on connections and getting to know my brothers who I'll share the field with, the coaches and the staff.
“My focus is to grow as a player under new coaches and teammates, but also to win.
“I can't wait to meet everyone, from the players to staff and faithful fans.
"I can't wait to join the family and add whatever I need to for this team to go back to its glory days.”
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar said: “We watched Ioane closely at the Crusaders. Obviously, he had a good season with them.
“He got an opportunity through injury and proved that he belongs at this level.
“He is also a smart rugby player with a very good skill set.
"He has the ability to play on an edge or play through the middle. He also brings an on-ball presence defensively.
“He's a really good addition and adds strength and depth in what's a key position.”
Position: Hooker
Date of Birth: 8/2/2001
Height: 173 cm
Weight: 113 kg
Super Rugby debut: 2023 in Round 3 v Fijian Drua
Super Rugby caps: 18
Super Rugby Pacific games in 2025: 12 (6 starts)
