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Wallaby David Porecki extends deal with Rugby Australia and Waratahs
The Wallabies’ most recent captain David Porecki has re-signed with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs until at least the end of 2026.
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Porecki, 31, debuted in Wallaby gold against England in 2022 and has gone on to represent Australia on 19 occasions – including during last year’s World Cup campaign in France.
The hooker, who has penned a two-year contract extension on top of his current deal which expires at the end of 2024, became the Wallabies’ 88th captain at the sport’s showpiece event. With Will Skelton out injured, Porecki led the team in three of four pool matches.
Alongside world-class number eight Rob Valetini, Porecki was one of just two players to start every Test match under then-coach Eddie Jones in 2023.
So, for Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs to secure the services of the 19-Test Wallaby for the next few years is a major coup ahead of the British and Irish Lions Tour in 2025.
“I couldn’t be happier to re-sign with the NSW Waratahs and Australian rugby for a further two years,” Porecki said in a statement.
“Since returning home I’ve been able to achieve some of my personal goals, but I know I’ve got plenty more to contribute and will be continuing to work hard to be part of my successful teams.
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“I’d like to thank those at Rugby Australia and for the Waratahs for backing me and I’ll be doing all that I can to repay that faith over the next few years.”
Porecki’s path to international honours is unique. The 31-year-old played one Super Rugby match for the ‘Tahs before leaving Australia to pursue an opportunity overseas.
After five seasons in England with Saracens and London Irish, Porecki returned to Australia and the ‘Tahs ahead of Super Rugby in 2020. But an injury ruled out any chance of a national call-up.
But Porecki continued to chip away and he was eventually rewarded for his consistency at the set-piece and leadership around the park with a Wallabies debut two years ago.
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“To have a player and person of David’s calibre re-commit long-term is hugely positive for Australian rugby,” Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh added.
“Dave’s been a consistent performer for the Wallabies since returning home and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue to represent his state and country with pride over the next few years.”
Porecki debuted for the NSW Waratahs in 2015 against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein. Following the previously mentioned stint overseas, he’s gone on to play 36 Super Rugby matches.
“For David to have started in every Test in 2023 and finish with the World Cup campaign as captain speaks volumes to his value he can add to a playing group,” Waratahs coach Darren Coleman said.
“He’s measured, mature and has a drive for perfection. He puts his body on the line week In, week out.
“David is also a keeper of standards in our group and is a great mentor to the other hookers in our program. It’s a great signing for the Tahs.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Brilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
4 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
4 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
8 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
8 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
4 Go to commentsGreat work Owen Franks. A great of this team, scoring his first try for the Crusaders since 2010.He was beaming, justifiably. A fine win, he and the rest did the job up front.
1 Go to commentsDanny Care. Lang in die tand.
1 Go to comments