The NSW Waratahs have extended the contracts of props Jack Barrett and Apolosi Ranawai ahead of the 2027 season.
Loosehead Barrett, 22, has penned a new deal until the end of 2028, while tighthead Ranawai, 32, has signed a one-year extension for 2027.
Director of High Performance B-J Mather was delighted to lock the pair in and further bolster the tight five ranks, after the signings of Sefo Kautai and Veikoso Poloniati were also announced last week.
“It’s great to re-sign both Jack and Apolosi for Super Rugby Pacific in 2027,” Mather said.
“Jack is a promising prop who is still learning the game and developing all the time, but he demonstrated his huge potential last season with some crucial performances for us.
“I think most people know Apolosi’s story by now, but he is such a terrific presence in the group and the impact he made during the latter stages of the season was enormous.”
Hailing from the Australian mining town of Lightning Ridge in NSW, Barrett attended St Joseph’s College in his youth with fellow teammates Max Jorgensen and James Hendren.
The 22-year-old made his Waratahs debut in Round 6 in 2024 against the Melbourne Rebels. While he came off the bench in the 21-10 loss to the British & Irish Lions at a packed-out Allianz Stadium in July last year.
Barrett made six appearances in Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific in 2026, three from the off and three off the bench, including starting in the landmark 50-35 win over the Fijian Drua in Suva in Round 14, our first-ever win in Fiji.
He will represent Southland Stags in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship from August onwards, after featuring regularly for Randwick in their Shute Shield campaign so far this year.
And Barrett was pleased to extend his contract for two years for the club he made his professional debut with.
“It’s awesome to secure my immediate future with the Waratahs,” Barrett said.
“The club gave me my first opportunity in professional rugby and I’d like to repay the faith they’ve shown in me.
“I’m really looking forward to the next two years and continuing my development with this group of players.”
Ranawai was born in Nadi and grew up playing rugby at his local village club, Korovuto Rugby Club.
He went on to represent Fiji at under-20 level, before moving over to Australia to seek further opportunities in the sport, making a name for himself at club level at first.
Ranawai was snapped up by the Waratahs ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific competition, after impressing for Norths in the Shute Shield and subsequently in our title winning, Super Rugby Aus campaign.
The 32-year-old made his Super Rugby Pacific debut in Round 12 against the Western Force. He went on to make five appearances for the Waratahs in 2026, all from the bench, scoring three tries.
He made an emotional return to Fiji for our Round 14 fixture against the Fijian Drua, scoring a try in our bonus point win, while also visiting his former school Nasinu Secondary School in the lead up to the game.
And Ranawai was over the moon to sign a contract extension with the Sydney-based club for 2027.
“I’m incredibly grateful and excited to be re-signing with the Waratahs for the 2027 season,” Ranawai said.
“I can’t wait to keep growing, working hard, and giving everything I have for the jersey.
“I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and I’m grateful for everyone who’s been a part of the journey.”
