Wallaby Jake Gordon retains NSW Waratahs captaincy for 2025 season

Jake Gordon will continue to captain the NSW Waratahs during this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season, with the club confirming that appointment in Sydney on Tuesday. Gordon has held the leadership position since 2021 and will continue to do so under new coach Dan McKellar.

Gordon joined the Tahs in 2017 and has since emerged as one of the club’s key players as they seek improvement under coach McKellar. An injury-ravaged Waratahs outfit finished last in 2024 but Gordon still shone brightly as a shining light despite the darkness of defeats.

The 31-year-old scored four tries across 14 starts in the sky blue No. 9 jersey, which included standout performances during the two wins over the Crusaders. Gordon was rewarded with selection in Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies plans that year, with the scrumhalf repaying the faith.

Tate McDermott and Nic White were also picked for national duty but it was fairly clear cut that Gordon was the Wallabies’ first-choice scrumhalf in 2024. It all started with two stunning performances against Warren Gatland’s Wales in July.

With Gordon coming off a strong year for both club and country, few would’ve been surprised to see the scrumhalf hang onto the Waratahs captaincy for another season. The man himself described the news as “a great honour” as he prepares to lead the club for a fifth season.

“It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, especially over the last five years of this captaincy. The years where things probably don’t go to plan you question some of the stuff throughout the year which is a normal thing for a captain that wants to improve,” Gordon told reporters in Sydney.

“I’m so supportive that the team and the coaching staff have backed me for another year and really excited for the season to kick off, it’s only around the corner now.

“… Probably one thing I’ve learned over time is things that I’m not so good at and you’ve got to lean on people who have strengths in different areas. I’ve been lucky enough through the five years to deal with people like Michael Hooper, David Porecki, Hugh Sinclair.

“Even from when I first came to the Tahs, there were some exceptional leaders back then as well. I guess leaning on the people that are a little more advanced in other areas that you might not be.

“The end of the Super year last year I found it emotionally really took its toll,” Gordon added. “I guess when your emotions are high you’re maybe not thinking as clearly.

“I’ve always loved captaining here, it was always – as cliché as it is – it was a childhood dream to play for this club. Growing up here and watching at Allianz (Stadium) when it was packed, my passion for the club never changed.”

Following those two impressive performances against the Welsh, Gordon was handed another start in Australia’s opening Rugby Championship Test against two-time defending Men’s Rugby World Cup champions South Africa.

Gordon also wore the No. 9 jersey in both Tests away to Argentina, in the second Bledisloe Cup Test away to New Zealand in Wellington, and in three of the team’s four Spring Tour matches. With sharp passing and an electric running game, there’s a lot to like about the halfback.

From a team’s perspective, the Wallabies bounced back from a disappointing Rugby Championship to shock England during the Autumn Nations Series. Max Jorgensen flew down the left wing in the 84^th minute to hand the visitors a dramatic comeback win.

The Wallabies backed that up with their third win over the Welsh that year before falling to Scotland at Murrayfield. They also came close to knocking off world No. 2 Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium but it wasn’t to be in the end.

“12 months ago it was a way different spot,” he said. “I was coming back from that injury.

“I enjoyed my time with Joe, he was exceptional for my game. He really just wanted me to focus on myself and my performance which helped.

“Reflecting, it was probably a year at the start where I probably didn’t enjoy it as much and then the way to finish, it would’ve been great to get some of those results – I thought that Ireland game was one that was probably a disappointing way to finish.

“I thought you saw genuine progression in that team. I loved my time to then play Test match rugby in front of big crowds and the development of our team was super enjoyable.”