'Just a year ago I had nothing': Waratahs re-sign breakout loose forward

The Waratahs have retained the services of bruising flanker Clem Halaholo for the 2027 season after a breakout campaign with the team in 2026.

The 22-year-old emerged as the Sydney club’s most damaging ball-carrier in his debut season, a timely revelation after the departures of Langi Gleeson, Rob Leota and Teniela Tupou, with Angus Bell also spending the season abroad with Ulster. Gleeson finished the 2025 season with the third-most carries in the competition, leaving a significant hole with his move to Montpellier.

Halaholo scored three tries in 13 games — including nine starts — before the Tahs were eliminated from playoff contention, following a year with the team in 2025 where he missed selection in all 14 games of the Super Rugby Pacific season and was told he wouldn’t be re-signed for 2026.

An opportunity finally came his way in the inaugural Super Rugby AUS competition, and Halaholo made the most of his minutes, going on to win Man of the Match in a 33-26 final win.

A continuation of that form has now seen him earn another shot with the team in 2027.

“I’m excited to have another year in the blue of the Waratahs, the team I grew up watching, supporting and hoping to play for one day. Now here I am re-signing with the club,” Halaholo said.

“Just a year ago I had nothing, and now to be continuing to live my dream is everything for me.”

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While missing the playoffs was a disappointing finish for the Waratahs in 2026, the team’s development pathways continue to produce, with nearly half of the Australia U20 squad named on Thursday hailing from the Sydney club.

Halaholo’s re-signing is another symbol of the immense promise in the region’s young talent, and head coach Dan McKellar is eager to see that promise realised.

“It’s fantastic news for the NSW Waratahs to have Clem sign a new contract with the club,” McKellar said.

“It’s vital that we continue to promote home-grown talent from New South Wales and the Academy into our main squad. Clem has earned that opportunity through his commitment to becoming a better rugby player.

“He reacted well to dropping out of the squad this time last year, and his game has gone up a level since, firstly in Super Rugby AUS and then Super Rugby this year.

“We hope that Clem will continue to work hard, improve and become an important part of the Waratahs squad for a number of years.”