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'He's an exciting, damaging player': Waratahs confirms signing of cross-code ex-Wallabies prospect
By AAP
The NSW Waratahs have bolstered their backline stocks with the signing of former Brisbane NRL star Izaia Perese for the 2021 Super Rugby season.
The damaging outside back has joined Rob Penney's squad for the next two seasons.
Perese, formerly contracted with Bayonne in the Top 14 in France, earned 17 caps for the Reds in 2016 and 2017 before making the switch to the Broncos.
An Australian schoolboy and under-20s representative, Perese returns to Australia after a COVID-effected stint in France.
NSWRU general manager of rugby, Tim Rapp, said Perese was a welcome addition to the squad's backline stocks, especially after the departure of several experiences heads including Karmichael Hunt and Kurtley Beale.
"We've seen what Izaia is capable of in his previous stint in Super Rugby," Rapp said.
"He's an exciting, damaging player who gives another point-of-difference within our backline.
"It was a short stint for Izaia in France and when we became aware he wanted to be back in Australia it was quickly evident this was a great fit for both parties.
"We certainly need to acknowledge some of the recent issues Izaia had during his time with the Broncos, and it's something that we've spoken about with him at length.
"He understands the expectations we have of everyone within our organisation and we're looking forward to supporting his transition into the Waratahs environment."
Coach Penney said he was looking forward to working with Perese.
"Izaia comes extremely well-regarded and having seen his previous work in Super Rugby, we're excited to have him on board for the next two seasons," Penney said.
"He's worked with Gilly (Jason Gilmore) back in Queensland, so I've been able to get great background on his athletic ability and how he can contribute to our backline.
"Izaia's addition gives us good depth across the midfield and back three given his versatility.
"With plenty of competition for places, we're looking forward to welcoming him into the group when everyone returns fresh from the Christmas break."
Perese said it was a relief to be returning to Australia and he was excited to be joining the Waratahs.
"It's been extremely tough being overseas throughout COVID and while I enjoyed my time in Bayonne, I'm really happy to be coming home," he said.
"The Waratahs are a club I'm now proud to be a part of and having spoken to people in and around the club, there's a lot to be excited about leading into 2021.
"I'm just looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and letting my footy do the talking.
"It's been a challenging 12 months, but I know that being at the Waratahs is the best place for me both professionally and personally."
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Latest Comments
GB is England, Scotland, Wales. They are the 3 constituent countries in Great Britain. Ergo playing only those three countries is a tour of GB. The difference between GB and the UK is Northern Ireland. It's not a huge deal to be accurate and call places by their correct name. But please refrain from your idiotic attempts to BS that GB=UK. It doesn't.
Go to commentsThe 2023 draw was only criticized when it became apparent that the top 5 sides in the world were on the same side of the draw. Nowhere did they discuss the decision to backtrack to 2019 rankings which ensured that England and Wales (ranked #12 in 2023) were ranked top4.
The parties who trashed out the schedule were England Rugby, NZ Rugby and ITV. It is bordering on corrupt that a Rugby nation has the power to schedule its opponents to play a major match the week before facing them in a QF.
You won't find commentary by members of the relevant committees because a committee did not make the scheduling decision. I have never heard members of World Rugby speak out on the draw or scheduling issues.
For example in 2015 Japan were hammered by Scotland 4 days after beating SA. The criticism only happens after a cock up.
A fair pool schedule is pretty straightforward: The lowest two tanked teams must play on last pool day but not against each other. That means that TV can focus on promoting big matches with a Tier2 involved for that Friday.
Why does NZ Always get its preferred slot playing the hardest pool match on day 1?
Why do other teams eg France, Ireland, Scotland get so often scheduled to play a hard match the week before the QFs?
If you believe the rules around scheduling are transparent then please point me in the right direction?
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