Wallaby Dempsey extends his Waratahs stay
Dempsey has recently been called up as one of four development players to join the Wallabies in this year’s Europe tour, together with his Waratahs teammate, Andrew Kellaway.
The promotion caps off what has been an impressive season for the 22-year-old, who has made a name for himself as a powerful ball runner. Following his debut for NSW last year, Dempsey has earned another 11 caps for his home state, becoming a regular in the side in 2016.
He currently sits on identical figures to his uncle, former Waratah and Wallaby, Tony Dempsey, with 14 caps and three tries to their names.
Dempsey has continued to impress following a standout season in the recent NRC with semifinalists, the Sydney Rays.
Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson said the franchise is delighted that Dempsey has re-committed as the team continues to build for the future.
"Jack is amongst a number of new and exciting players that have stepped up this year and that I am sure fans will enjoy seeing continue to progress," Gibson said.
"Next year he has an opportunity to cement a regular starting spot and fulfil his enormous potential.
"Competition for back row spots will be fierce and will push Jack to greater heights,"
Dempsey first joined the Waratahs back in 2015 before he was named on the bench for the round 14 clash against the Sharks last year at 21 years of age.
Having impressed the coaches in his first year with the Tahs, Dempsey was elevated from the supplementary squad to the core playing squad in just his second season this year.
Born and bred in Sydney and a representative of the Gordon Rugby Club, Dempsey has represented his country at every junior level. A product of St. Ignatius College Riverview, he played a major role in helping their 2011 side to a GPS Premiership in the number six jersey.
He was awarded a spot in the Australian Schoolboys side the following year after performing consistently for the NSW Schools side and emerged in the senior levels of club rugby with Gordon, where his tenacity in defence and work over the ball was noted.
Dempsey was selected in the Australian Under-20 team that contested the IRB Junior World Cup in New Zealand in 2014, impressing many as part of the run-on side. He also accompanied the NSW Waratahs Sevens side that played in World Club Sevens tournaments in Ireland and London the same year.
