Waratahs boost their squad with powerful player

TRANSFER NEWS: The NSW Waratahs have strengthened their roster for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition by signing Shute Shield Premiership-winning player Jamie Adamson.

Adamson, twenty-five, was a member of the Easts Rugby Club’s team that won the Shute Shield last year.

The flanker has been training with the NSW Waratahs throughout their pre-season preparation at Daceyville, Sydney that resumed on Monday after their Christmas break.

The NSW Waratahs are preparing for Round 1 on February 14 against the Highlanders in Moore Park, Sydney.

Adamson hails from Durham, England. A former England Seven representative, he came to Australia last year for a change of pace in the fifteens game with Easts Rugby Club.

#SPOTLIGHT: He could face the British and Irish Lions later this year… #rugby #news #sports @wallabies @lionsofficial https://t.co/CwErQ0HlNi

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NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar said Adamson sparked his interest in him during the Shute Shield.

“Jamie is powerful, has good speed, good acceleration, and he was a standout player in the Shute Shield,” McKellar said.

McKellar said Adamson’s journey to Daceyville as a contracted NSW Waratahs player shows how the Shute Shield can be a platform of opportunity for players.

“It sends a good message to any young player out there playing club rugby in New South Wales, that if you perform, then you’re a chance to get picked up,” McKellar said.

“Jamie’s is a great story, and I love a story of a player who hasn’t had the red carpet rolled out for them.

“In his career, he’s had to fight and work hard for it; and those players appreciate the opportunity. Jamie’s already shown that through his training as well as his character.”

Playing for the NSW Waratahs was not on Adamson’s radar when he joined Easts Rugby Club.

After the Shute Shield Grand Final, he flew back to England and was considering a return to Sevens rugby.

But when McKellar contacted him and invited him to train with the NSW Waratahs for their pre-season, Adamson did not hesitate and accepted the opportunity.

“I was back in the UK, then back out six [in Australia] weeks later,” Adamson said.

“I did the pre-season before Christmas and was offered the opportunity to stay on.

“It’s a nice pressure release, to know that I’m here for 2025; but that just opens the door.

“The next pressure is to get selected and hopefully contribute to the team’s success.”