The inaugural Super Rugby Aus competition will commence on Friday night under lights at Warringah Rugby Club in Sydney.
The NSW Waratahs are excited to put forward a team showcasing players with a range of experience from Super Rugby Pacific, the Waratahs Academy and the Shute Shield.
Lachlan McCaffrey will step up from his normal position as Waratahs Assistant Coach (Defence) to be Head Coach of the team for the duration of Super Rugby AUS.
“It’s exciting to coach this group, bringing together Shute Shield, Academy and top squad players, while also learning from experienced coaches like Dan McKellar,” McCaffrey said.
Meanwhile, Mike Catt and Dan Palmer will continue in their roles as assistant coaches in attack and set piece respectively.
“Working closely with Mike and Dan, both quality coaches and former players, is a huge advantage for me and the team,” McCaffrey said.
Lock Matt Philip will captain the side for the Super Rugby AUS campaign with flyhalf Lawson Creighton and centre Joey Walton (out injured) as vice captains.
McCaffrey said the leadership group was chosen to “set high standards at training every day. You want players leading those standards, and they’ve done a terrific job driving that.”
McCaffrey said combining players from three groups - Super Rugby, Academy and Shute Shield - poses not as a challenge, but rather an opportunity.
“It’s about creating new relationships and energy — the Shute Shield boys, Academy players and top squad members all bring strengths, and this competition lets them combine and compete together.”
For the first match on Friday night the Waratahs host the Western Force in what promises to be an exciting match up.
The sides last met in Round 15 of the 2025 Super Rugby tournament in late May with the Waratahs coming away a five-point victory.
However, with a new competition, new location and new players, McCaffrey and the Waratahs know the challenge ahead and the importance of setting the tone early.
“Our focus is on ourselves, improving a little each day, and making sure we’re ready to perform in this first week together,” McCaffrey said.
The Force, he said, are “a team that pride themselves on work rate and competing hard at the breakdown, and we need to make sure we match that strength on Friday night.”
- Loose Head Prop Tom Lambert (Sydney University)
2. Hooker Ethan Dobbins (Sydney University)
3. Tighthead Prop Daniel Botha (Sydney University)
4. Left Lock Matt Philip (©/Sydney University)
5. Right Lock Miles Amatosero (Eastern Suburbs)
6. Left Flanker Leafi Talataina (Sydney University)
7. Right Flanker Jamie Adamson (Eastern Suburbs)
8. Number Eight Chlayton Frans (Warringah)
9. Scrumhalf Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)
10. Flyhalf Lawson Creighton (vc/Randwick)
11. Left Wing Sid Harvey (Eastern Suburbs)
12. Inside Centre Jackson Ropata (Warringah)
13. Outside Centre Henry O’Donnell (Northern Suburbs)
14. Right Wing Otto Serfontein (Eastern Suburbs)
15. Fullback James Hendren (Randwick)
16. Reserve Oniti Finau (Randwick)
17. Reserve Isaac Kailea (Randwick)
18. Reserve Apolosi Ranawai (Northern Suburbs)
19. Reserve Ben Grant (Sydney University)
20. Reserve Austin Durbidge (Sydney University)
21. Reserve Michael McDonald (Randwick)
22. Reserve James McGregor (Eastwood)
23. Reserve Leo Jacques (Eastern Suburbs)
Where: Warringah Rugby Park, Sydney
When: Friday, 12 September 2025
Kick-off: 7.30 pm (AEST)
The game will be televised LIVE and on demand via Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby and the Rugby.com.au Youtube Channel
