Waratahs sign reigning Super Rugby AUS Player of the Tournament

Versatile playmaker Max Burey has sealed a move from the Western Force to the NSW Waratahs, with the reigning Super Rugby AUS Player of the Tournament making the move east on a two-year deal until the end of 2028.

Wagga Wagga-born Burey returns home to New South Wales after making 37 Super Rugby Pacific appearances for the Force, and starring during the team’s run to the maiden Super Rugby AUS Grand Final last October.

The Force were beaten by the Waratahs in the Perth-based decider, but Burey was still recognised as the standout player from the competition. Burey took charge as a chief game-driver for the WA-based outfit, stepping up with some sublime performances at fly-half.

Burey started four matches for the Force during the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, splitting those appearances with starting shifts at fullback and fly-half. The 27-year-old featured in another four matches off the bench, playing more than 390 minutes across the season.

“To have the opportunity to come home and join the Waratahs at this point in my career is incredibly special,” Burey said.

“Growing up in New South Wales, this is a club I’ve always looked up to and representing my home state is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid.

“I believe everything comes at the right time and I’m very happy and grateful to be getting this chance now with a bit of experience under my belt.

“I’m excited to get to work, earn my place in the squad and do everything I can to help this club succeed.”

Burey originally moved from Wagga Wagga to Sydney as a teenager, linking up with rugby league side the Wests Tigers before switching to rugby union. The playmaker suited up for Sydney club Northern Suburbs, producing some solid performances in the Shute Shield.

After some time in the Australia Sevens program, Burey made the trip west after putting pen to paper on a deal with the Force. Burey debuted in Force colours as a starting fly-half against the Crusaders on May 6, 2023.

37 Force appearances later, another opportunity beckons for the utility back on the east coast, set to wear cambridge blue for the next two years. This news follows the departures of fly-halves Lawson Creighton, Jack Bowen and Jack Debrezeni.

“We’re excited to have a talented player like Max join us in a key position for the next two years,” Waratahs Director of High Performance B-J Mather explained.

“The experience he has gained from his time with the Force and the Australian Sevens will be a valuable asset for our program.

“When he gets his opportunity, we look forward to seeing the spark and energy that Max will bring to our attack.”