The NSW Waratahs are firmly focused on the Super Rugby Pacific finals, but with an eye on the future, they announced the re-signing of three players today.
The NSW Waratahs, seventh on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, are preparing for their crucial Round 12 against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.
But the squad has been buoyed by news of prop Daniel Botha, lock Ben Grant and centre Henry O’Donnell extending their contracts for another two years.
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar said: “As long as they continue to work hard and develop and that turn up every day with the attitude and mindset to get better, I see them as players who will be here for a long time.”
Daniel Botha, who plays tighthead and has earned 16 NSW Waratahs caps since his 2023 debut, said: “It means everything. My heart is with the Waratahs.
“I grew up supporting the club. I am in the right place in terms of developing my game with ‘Palms’ [Dan Palmer, Assistant coach/set piece] and Dan McKellar, 'Catty' [Mike Catt, Assistant coach/Attack] and all the coaches and the staff.
“I am excited, and [with] what’s coming up in the future in Australian rugby.”
On Botha, McKellar said: “Dan is a good, young tighthead prop who has done a lot of work with Dan Palmer around his scrummaging. He is developing nicely.
“He’s been around this program a number of years. He's starting to get consistency with performance and selection and is getting better every week.”
Ben Grant, who has accumulated nine caps with the NSW Waratahs since joining this year from the Hurricanes, said: “I’ve been loving my time with the NSW Waratahs and am stoked to be staying on for another two seasons.
“The coaching group and support staff are working hard to make the NSW Waratahs a world-class program and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
On Grant, McKellar said: “He came for an opportunity after a season with the Hurricanes. He's a bit of a journeyman. I've been aware of him for a long time.
“I saw potential and felt with good coaching and our program, we can develop him. He's earned the opportunity to stick around a couple of more years.
“I'm pleased with his growth and the example he sets with his professionalism. “It’s one for all to take note of. No one cares more about the team than Ben."
Henry O’Donnell, who has earned two caps with the NSW Waratahs this season since returning to his birthplace in Sydney from the Western Force, said: “I'm stoked to re-sign with the NSW Waratahs for two years.
“As a former NSW junior and longtime supporter, I am very passionate about the Sky Blue jersey and keen to achieve something special with this group.
“I’m excited and know this is the right environment to grow my game under Dan McKellar and the coaching staff to hopefully become a world-class centre.”
On O’Donnell, McKellar said: “Injury provides opportunity and that decides if a player is up to it at this level. Henry got an opportunity and thrived in it.
“He has performed really well and has a big future at the NSW Waratahs.”
What: NSW Waratahs v the ACT Brumbies
Where: GIO Stadium, Canberra
When: Saturday, 3 May, 2025
Kick-off: 7.35 pm (AEST)
The game will be televised LIVE on Stan Sport - the home of rugby
