The NSW Waratahs have secured the signings of prop Sefo Kautai and lock Veikoso Poloniati for the 2027 Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific season.
Kautai, 29, arrives from the Highlanders on a one-year deal, while Poloniati, 30, has signed from Moana Pasifika on a two-year deal.
Waratahs director of High Performance B-J Mather was pleased to sign two seasoned professionals to bolster the club’s tight five ranks.
“We are delighted to add both Sefo and Veikoso to the playing group for 2027,” Mather said.
“They are proven and experienced Super Rugby Pacific players who have played for some of the biggest clubs in world rugby.
“They both jumped at the opportunity to come to the Waratahs and we are looking forward to welcoming them to the club for the start of pre-season in November.”
Tighthead prop Kautai is an experienced Super Rugby Pacific campaigner, having worn the jerseys of the Chiefs, Brumbies and Highlanders during his career thus far.
Known as a powerful scrummager and weighing in at 116kgs, he made his debut in 2017 for the Chiefs against the Stormers in Round 7.
In total, the 29-year-old has 64 Super Rugby caps to his name, while in his final year at the Brumbies in 2024, he featured in all 16 of their matches as they were defeated in the semi final by the Blues at Eden Park.
And Kautai was delighted to return to Australian rugby to sign with the Waratahs.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at the Waratahs,” Kautai said.
“I’m really looking forward to this opportunity and moving to Sydney. I will be looking to contribute to the group and earn respect through my work.”
Tongan international lock Poloniati joins from Moana Pasifika, for whom he played 18 Super Rugby Pacific matches across two stints in 2022 and 2026.
The 30-year-old has also played for Racing 92 and Bayonne in France’s Top 14, as well as Manawatu in the NPC.
Standing at 2.03m tall, Poloniati is a huge asset at the lineout and a strong ball runner.
He has seven caps for Tonga to his name, including starting in their 36-26 win over Zimbabwe in the Nations Cup in Colorado at the weekend.
And Poloniati was very much looking forward to moving to Sydney and representing the Waratahs for the next two seasons.
“Malo, I'm incredibly excited to be joining the NSW Waratahs and to start this next chapter in my rugby journey,” Poloniati said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to challenge myself in a new environment, continue growing as a player, and to represent such a proud club.
“I'm grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way, I can't wait to get stuck into pre-season and meet my new teammates. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and enjoying the Australian lifestyle and culture with my family.”
