Wallaby swap Tahs for rivals

TRANSFER NEWS: NSW Waratahs confirmed Tom Robertson will not return to the club in 2021 after pursuing a playing opportunity at the Western Force.

Robertson, who arrives from the Waratahs after playing 62 games for the NSW side, is a hard-working prop with a wealth of Super Rugby and international experience.

Making his debut in 2016 – scoring a try in his first outing against the Highlanders – Robertson went onto make 62 appearances for the NSW Waratahs.

Robertson made his international debut that same year, in Perth against the Pumas – with the versatile prop now having 24 Wallaby caps to his name.

His association with the NSW Rugby pathway stretches well before that first appearance in sky blue and features involvement with the Australian Schoolboys, Junior Wallabies and the NSW Country Eagles.

Currently undertaking a medical degree at Sydney University, Robertson has also been a loyal servant to the Students in the Shute Shield dating back to 2014.

NSWRU General Manager of Rugby, Tim Rapp said that Robertson had made a significant contribution to the Waratahs during his time with the club.

“Tom’s been fantastic for us over several years here at the Waratahs and personifies the strength of our game in country areas,” Rapp said.

“He’s developed right through our pathway and we’ve seen him grow from a talented schoolboy into a Wallaby.

“Whilst you’d like to keep all of your players, roster management is a tricky balancing act made more difficult in the current climate.

“Tom’s taking up an opportunity elsewhere and we wish him all the best, he’s been a wonderful contributor to our squad over many years and we hope that he may return in the future to continue that relationship.”

Robertson said it was a tough decision to leave the club where he had played the entirety of his Super Rugby career.

“Being a part of this club has been one of my proudest achievements and it was a difficult decision to leave,” Robertson said.

“I’ve loved being a Waratah, playing alongside some amazing players and learning from some of the best rugby minds in the country.

“The club has supported my growth as a player on the field, while allowing me to pursue my education off it, something I’ll always be grateful for.

“I’d like to thank everyone both past and present at the Waratahs for everything they’ve contributed to my career to date – I wouldn’t be here without them.”