Marshall Le Maitre found his way to rugby at the age of eight — although sport had shaped him long before then.
The NSW Waratahs U19s’ right-side captain and flanker embraces the team spirit and professional routine which comes with wearing the jersey.
“I played soccer through my younger years and I think that probably started my love for team sports," Le Maitre says.
"Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to play rugby for a few organisations — starting at Chatswood, then going to Shore, and now playing for Norths.”
At 19, the captain-flanker’s rise has come off the back of years of dedication and commitment to his individual skills and resilience both on and off the field.
Le Maitre has seen club success, a season interrupted by injury and later recognition in receiving the Northern Suburbs Rugby Club's 'Rookie of the Year' award in 2025 and now in a leadership role in the Waratahs U19s.
“Rookie of the Year this year was something I was kind of aiming for, which I was stoked to achieve,” he says.
“Winning the premiership last year was up there too. (For the Shore School) We hadn’t won it for … what … fifty five years or something, and we won just when no one expected us to.”
Le Maitre credits a small circle for keeping him grounded and driven.
“Mum and Dad are definitely my biggest idols, and then probably my first coach, Angus Sinclair,” he says.
“I’ve got quite a close circle of people that I let in to influence me. Whatever they say, I sort of take on and strive to achieve.”
That influence over the years has translated into resilience and grit. A stress fracture early this year forced an eight-week spell on the sidelines.
“I was pretty lucky with injuries before that,” he says. “But that one set me back — I missed half the season and some rep opportunities.
"It was frustrating, but it made me focus on consistency and drove me to return to the game stronger and fitter.”
When considering leadership and what he wants to encourage in his team, consistency is his biggest focus.
“I shouldn’t say too much — I just want consistency. Keep playing well. That’s the main thing," he says.
Le Maitre’s interests extend beyond the field as he balances university studies and sport.
He is currently completing a Bachelor of Business and Property at Western Sydney University. He enjoys the flexibility of the course and being able to fit it around his training schedule.
“In my downtime I like to chill out with mates, go to the beach, try and keep a pretty chill lifestyle,” he says.
“I’ve been doing a bit with the Academy, then in with the A-grade and back to 19s,” he explains.
“It’s kind of in and out. At the moment we’re training on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday schedule.
"It’s a short turnaround with only a few weeks to prepare, but I’m feeling pretty confident with how the boys are looking.”
“I want to get to Super Rugby as soon as possible,” he adds. “And then from there, project myself into everything else, hopefully as soon as possible.”
Le Maître's current focus is on the immediate leadership of the Waratahs U19s for this weekend’s fixture against the Western Force.
He is looking to bring the ‘calm urgency’ which has become his hallmark.
“I try to take on all the feedback I get and I do it for Mum and Dad,” he says. “That’s one of the main things that drives me.”
At the age of nineteen, with a school grade premiership, a Rookie of the Year Award and a stress fracture already in his story, Marshall Le Maitre’s next chapter is definitely one to watch.
Match Details
U19’s NSW Waratahs Vs U19’s Western Force
Where: Pittwater Rugby Park, Sydney
When: Saturday, 13 September 2025
Kick-off: 10.30 am (AEST)
The game will be televised LIVE and on demand via the Rugby.com.au YouTube Channel and Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
