Ex-MLR and Hurricanes lock among three re-signed by Waratahs

With an eye to the future, the NSW Waratahs have re-signed three players for another two years, including a former Australia U20s centre who replaced Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the starting side earlier this Super Rugby Pacific season.

Ahead of this weekend’s crunch clash against arch-rivals the Brumbies, the Tahs announced the contract extensions on Tuesday afternoon. Prop Daniel Botha, lock Ben Grant and midfielder Henry O’Donnell will remain in Sydney for another couple of seasons.

O’Donnell, 22, starred for the Junior Wallabies in 2023, scoring four tries in five appearances at the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship. The New South Welshman made the move west to pursue an opportunity with the Western Force before returning home this season.

After making five appearances off the pine for the Force, O’Donnell has featured in seven games for the Waratahs, which has included five starts at outside centre. O’Donnell was prompted to the starting side in Suaalii’s absence, who was sidelined with a toe injury.

“Injury provides opportunity and that decides if a player is up to it at this level. Henry got an opportunity and thrived in it,” coach Dan McKellar explained in a statement.

“He has performed really well and has a big future at the NSW Waratahs.”

Grant has emerged as another important member of the Waratahs this season, having featured on a regular basis in the team’s 23. The lock has made nine appearances for the Sydney-based club already, including seven consecutive starts.

After heading Stateside to take up an opportunity with San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby, making 13 appearances during the Legion’s run to the Conference semi-finals, Grant played another season before linking up with North Harbour in New Zealand’s NPC.

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Grant would later join the Hurricanes, making five appearances, before putting pen to paper with the Tahs on a deal for the 2025 season. Coach McKellar described Grant as “a bit of a journeyman” but is glad the second-rower has found a home with the Tahs.

“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,” McKellar explained.

“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.”

As for Botha, the young tighthead has kept Wallaby Taniela Tupou out of the starting side for the last three matches, so this is an important pickup for the Tahs. Botha made two appearances off the bench in rounds six and seven before McKellar prompted the prop into the run-on side.

Botha played 52 minutes away to Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium, enjoyed a similar shift against the Chiefs in Sydney, and reached the one-hour mark in tough conditions away to the Fijian Drua last time out.

“As long as they continue to work hard and develop and turn up every day with the attitude and mindset get better, I see them as players who will be here for a long time,” he added.

“Dan (Botha) 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.”