Ex-Rebels captain Rob Leota becomes latest Wallaby to join Waratahs

Former Melbourne Rebels captain and Wallaby Rob Leota is the latest marquee addition to the NSW Waratahs rapidly-improving squad ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Leota joins fellow Wallabies Darby Lancaster and Andrew Kellaway in signing with the Sydney-based club. Sydney Roosters flyer Joseph Sua’ali’i is, of course, another massive coup for the club after signing a lucrative deal to join from the NRL.

The 27-year-old will bring leadership international and international pedigree to a forward pack that already includes the likes of Angus Bell, David Porecki and Langi Gleeson. There are also other forwards who seem to be on the cusp of Test honours like Charlie Gamble.

After growing up in Melbourne, Leota debuted for the Rebels against the Crusaders in 2016 and didn’t look back. The utility, who can play either lock or in the backrow, went on to debut for the Wallabies in a 28-26 win over the world champion Springboks in 2021.

While Leota wasn’t included in Joe Schmidt’s first Wallabies squad of the year ahead of their two Tests against Wales and a clash with Georgia in July, there’s no doubt the enforcer can be a major asset to the Waratahs and Australian rugby moving forward.

“It’s great to be here at the Tahs, I’ve settled in really well,” Leota said in a statement.

“I’ve got good relationships with (Angus) Belly, (David) Porecki and a few other boys, but I’ve also got a lot of family in Sydney as well which has made the transition easier for me, especially leaving home for the first time.

“It’s good to obviously have some Rebels boys here as well that I’ve played with the last couple of years. Darby (Lancaster) is a Wallaby now and I know he and (Andrew) Kellaway will both be great additions to the Tahs next year.

“Dan McKellar was another big reason why I came here as well. He’s a coach that’s hard but fair. He’s going to expect us to work hard and concentrate on the little effort areas.

“I’m looking to use my experience and help the young boys here, especially the guys in my position. It’s about challenging myself too. I don’t want to just come here and take a backwards step. I really want to enjoy my time here and get some good wins next year.

“I can’t wait to run out onto Allianz Stadium for the first time as a Tah.”

During an emotional final season with the Rebels, Leota was a leader with both words and action as the utility started 10 of 12 appearances for the Melbourne-based club in 2024.

Leota was exclusively used by coach Kevin Foote as a backrower in the starting side, with the Wallaby starting in the No. 8 jersey nine times and at blindside flanker on one occasion.

But the 27-year-old can cover lock, as seen with the Barbarians last November.

“We’re extremely pleased to have Rob joining our cub,” NSW Waratahs Director of High Performance, Simon Raiwalui, added.

“Rob led the Rebels with distinction and has proven his ability on the world stage with the Wallabies.

“I’m excited to see the positive influence he will have on our emerging forwards and the power and physicality he will provide us on the field in 2025.”