'Size, power and speed': Langi Gleeson re-signs with Rugby Australia

Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs are proud to announce Langi Gleeson has re-signed until the end of 2025.

The 21-year-old had a breakout year in 2022, making both his Waratahs and Wallabies debuts, the latter in a winning side at Murrayfield against Scotland in Edinburgh.

The powerful back rower went on to feature in three Tests on last year’s Spring Tour, earning his first start at number eight in the Wallabies come from behind win against Wales in Cardiff.

Born in Sydney, Gleeson’s performances in Super Rugby Pacific last year saw him selected in the Australia A program where he emerged as a standout player of the Pacific Nations Cup with dominant performances against Fiji and Tonga.

Gleeson has continued his strong form this year and was included in Eddie Jones’ first squad in April before being ruled out with injury.

A product of the NSW Rugby pathway, Gleeson attended St Augustine’s College where he starred in the first XV before representing the Australian Schools Barbarians side in 2019, continuing his development with the Manly Marlins in the Shute Shield.

Wallabies and NSW Waratahs backrower Langi Gleeson said: “It means a lot to be here for another two years. We are building nicely into the finals but my focus remains on playing well for the team week to week.”

“It was a tough start to the year after getting injured earlier on but it’s great to be getting some miles in the legs. The coaching staff were great too, they didn’t rush me back and helped me build throughout the season.

“I’m looking forward to playing tomorrow night in front of our home crowd at Allianz Stadium for the final time this year and the boys are keen to put together a performance for Hoops and Te Tera.

“There’s no doubt it’s an exciting time to be involved in Australian Rugby and I’ll be working hard to give myself the opportunity to make the most of it.”

Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones said,” Langi is a promising young player at the start of his career and to have him re-sign is great for supporters of Australian Rugby.

“Developing good habits and a strong work ethic will ensure he fulfils his potential.”

NSW Waratahs head coach Darren Coleman said: “We’re excited that Langi has re-committed to the Waratahs, he has worked consistently through our Academy program since he was young and we are beginning to see the benefits of his hard work come through on the field.”

“He is a point-of-difference player with his size, power and speed and as he continues to work hard on his body and game knowledge, he has the potential to become a star of the game.

“Langi has had a taste of Wallaby life; we are confident if he continues to grow, we will see him in the green and gold later this season.”

Via press Release/Rugby Australia