Waratahs sign Wallabies hopeful after stint with European juggernaut

Former Queensland Reds enforcer Angus Scott-Young is returning to Australia’s shores with a different Super Rugby Pacific side, chasing a Wallabies call-up after signing a two-year deal with the NSW Waratahs after a stint with Northampton Saints.

Scott-Young brings 69 Super Rugby games of experience to the Sydney-based club, with the Waratahs confirming the transfer news on Monday. The backrower will begin pre-season training at Tahs HQ next week after recently parting ways with the Saints.

The now 28-year-old came off the bench for Northampton in their Champions Cup defeat to Bordeaux 20-28. Wallabies backrower and fellow Waratahs recruit Pete Samu lined up at No. 8 for the French powerhouse, who lifted the trophy at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

New South Wales have been busy recruiting players ahead of the new season, with Scott-Young the latest big-name recruit. Wallabies Matt Philip and Harry Potter headline a group that also includes Angus Blyth, George Poolman, Jack Debrezceni and Ioane Moananu.

“Angus is tough and physical with a high work ethic, along with being of quality character, and these are all traits we value at the Waratahs,” coach Dan McKellar said in a statement.

“He has experienced great success with Northampton over the last four years while establishing himself as a leader at that club.

“Angus consistently delivers a high level of performance when he takes the field and we look forward to seeing what he can do in a sky blue jersey.”

Scott-Young first played Super Rugby for Queensland against the ACT Brumbies on March 2, 2018, before making close to 70 appearances for the club in total. The former Australia U20s representative made the move to England in 2022, starting at blindside flanker on debut away to Sale.

With Northampton last season, Scott-Young started in 54 per cent of appearances for the Saints. The Australian lined up at lock away to Bath in round one of the Premiership season, before covering all three backrow positions throughout the season.

“I’m really excited to be back in Australia and playing Super Rugby again. It’s such a fast, dynamic competition, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent the Waratahs,” Scott-Young explained.

“The club has a proud history and passionate supporters, so I’m looking forward to contributing and being part of something special.

“There’s a lot to be excited about with this group at the Waratahs. The squad is full of talented players with huge potential and the coaching setup under Dan McKellar and Lachlan McCaffrey is world-class.

“The 2014 Waratahs were a team that galvanised rugby across Australia and that legacy has always inspired me. I’d love to help this group emulate that success, especially as we head towards a home Rugby World Cup in 2027. Ultimately, I want to contribute as much as I can to the club, help drive standards, and put myself in the best position to earn a place in the Wallabies setup.”