The NSW Waratahs can confirm that Ned Hanigan and Will Harrison will depart the club at the conclusion of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Hanigan has signed a two-year deal in France, whilst Harrison will move to Japan on a two-year agreement.
Hanigan, a passionate and wholehearted utility forward, debuted for the Waratahs back in 2016 and made 68 appearances in the sky blue jersey at Super Rugby level, scoring 11 tries.
In 2018, Harrison became the youngest player to sign a professional contract with the Waratahs, making his debut in 2020 as a 20-year-old.
The flyhalf went on to play a total of 37 games, scoring 255 points from three tries, 54 goals, 43 penalty goals, and a memorable drop goal to clinch a Golden Point victory over the Crusaders in Round 8 this season.
“Will and Ned will always hold a special place at the Waratahs,” Head Coach Darren Coleman said.
“It’s been a pleasure to have them both at the club. They’re great players on the field and more importantly terrific people off the field.
“They’ve overcome numerous injury setbacks throughout their careers and always worked hard to get back.
"I'm confident they will go on to enjoy further success in their professional careers overseas and on behalf of the Waratahs I’d like to thank them for all that they have contributed.
“I wish them all the best in the next phase of their careers, and they’d always be welcome back in the sky blue.”
Hanigan and Harrison both said the decision to leave the Waratahs was a difficult one given their love for the club.
“I remember first walking into training back in 2015 and thinking how special it would be to be able to play for this great club one day,” Hanigan said.
“I’ve been so lucky over the years to have donned this special jersey.
“I’ve loved taking the field with some of my best mates and representing my family and community of Coonamble the best I can.
“Thank you to the families that turn up to watch us. Thank you to the kids that stick around after the games. Thank you to the people who watch at home. And a massive thanks to the people week in, week out that keep our game going here in NSW.
“I’m really going to miss this place. I wish the Waratahs nothing but the best and I’ll always be a supporter of the sky blue.”
“It was my dream to play for the Waratahs since I first picked up a rugby ball,” Harrison said.
“To pull on that sky blue jersey meant the absolute world to me, and I never took it for granted.
“I’d like to thank my teammates, coaches, members, and fans for making my time at the Waratahs so memorable.
“I’ll always love the club and I’ll be leaving nothing in the tank as we look to finish the season off strongly in the Super Rugby Pacific.”
