‘Full circle’: Wallaby Andrew Kellaway finds familiar Super Rugby home

Wallaby Andrew Kellaway will return to where it all began for the outside back in Super Rugby from next season after re-signing with Rugby Australia through until at least the end of 2026.

Kellaway, 28, will wear the famed blue jersey of the NSW Waratahs once again as part of his decision to stay Down Under. The Sydneysider debuted for the Tahs in 2016 before embarking on a fascinating rugby journey that has included stints abroad.

Before becoming Wallaby 943, the Hunters Hill junior was selected to play for the Australian Schoolboys in 2012 and 2013 before receiving the illustrious honour of donning the gold jersey at U20s level for the next two years.

The 2015 Junior Wallabies captain’s meteoric rise continued the next season with the Waratahs handing young Kellaway a debut at Super Rugby level. It appeared the promising talent was destined for more before injuries got in the way.

Kellaway decided to leave the Waratahs and Australia’s shores at the end of 2018 to pursue an opportunity with Northampton Saints in the English Premiership. The Australian later played for Counties Manukau in New Zealand and the Melbourne Rebels in 2020.

After leaving Australia once again to play for NEC Green Rockets in Japan, Kellaway returned to the Rebels in 2021. The Aussie played more than 50 Super Rugby games for the Melburnians before the club’s last game in 2024.

Kellaway has decided to stay in Australia for the foreseeable future after signing with RA for the next two years. The Wallaby thanked the Rebels for all of their support before acknowledging how excited he is to return to Sydney.

“Firstly, I’d like to make it known this decision has nothing to do with the situation that unfolded at the Melbourne Rebels this year and is one based on me and my family being closer to our loved ones in Sydney,” Kellaway said in a statement.

“I’d like to thank the Rebels for giving me the opportunity to return to Australian rugby back in 2020, something I’m incredibly grateful for.

“I’d also like to thank my teammates, the staff and Rebels fans for the experiences and support over the past four seasons.

“To be able to return to the Waratahs after six years feels like a full circle for my rugby journey and I look forward to working hard for the club next year.”

Kellaway was introduced to international rugby in 2021 and never really looked back. Having played as primarily a winger in Wallaby gold, the New South Welshman played 14 of a possible 15 Tests and scored nine tries in the process.

The then-new Wallaby was rewarded for a superb breakout season by Rugby Australia by being recognised as the Rookie of the Year. Now, after 26 games and a Rugby World Cup appearance, Kellaway is a leader within the Australian rugby playing setup.

“It’s really positive to have Andrew re-commit to Australian rugby,” Rugby Australia Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, explained.

“He’s a leader amongst his peers and someone who has performed consistently for both his club and his country for a number of seasons.

“We’re delighted to have a player of Andrew’s calibre returning home to NSW,” NSW Waratahs CEO, Paul Doorn, added.

“Andrew is a Waratahs junior and current Wallaby who will add class, experience, strike power and versatility to our backline in 2025.”