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'I wasn't happy at the Waratahs': Wallabies prop's startling admission
By AAP
Wallabies prop Tom Robertson concedes he was unhappy at the NSW Waratahs last year, and has described his move to the Western Force as like a breath of fresh air.
Robertson made 62 appearances for the Waratahs over five seasons before signing for the Force last September.
The 26-year-old, who played 24 Tests for Australia between 2016-18, hopes his move to the Force will help rekindle his international career.
But more importantly Robertson wants to be in a happy place - something he found hard at the Waratahs last year.
"I wasn't that happy at the Waratahs to be honest," Robertson said on Friday.
"I was considering staying there for another two years, but in the end the upside to the Force was too big to ignore.
"There's a lot of off-field issues at the Waratahs. I love the players there. The player group is amazing. But just coming over here, it's a breath of fresh air.
"Having a new coaching staff, a new performance staff, and dealing with new people has really reinvigorated my rugby, so hopefully I can keep that going."
More than a quarter of NSW Rugby staff were made redundant in June last year when the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard.
The organisation is still struggling financially, and Robertson said the security of the Andrew Forrest-owned Force was a huge plus.
"Being privately owned by the Forrest family is a big advantage to this club, and having that financial security," he said.
"And the other players that they had coming across, half the names are international players. It's almost like playing in an international team at the moment with the calibre of players we have."
Getting back into the Wallabies' set-up is a major goal for Robertson.
But he knows it will be no easy feat in a Force outfit bristling with international and Australian talent.
Veteran Wallabies centre Tevita Kuridrani has joined Robertson at the Force, along with Argentinian internationals Tomas Cubelli, Tomas Lezana, Santi ago Medrano and Domingo Miotti.
Legendary Irish fullback Rob Kearney has been the Force's biggest recruit, while former All Blacks Richard Kahui and Jeremy Thrush have re-signed from last season.
"I think the depth we've got here, it's a bit nerve-wracking," Robertson said.
"I've got to get into the team here before you start talking about the Wallabies jersey."
Robertson described Tim Sampson as "tough but fair", saying the Force coach was willing to take things on board.
"He's very approachable, Robertson said.
"If a lot of the senior players have ideas, he takes that on board and incorporates that in his game plan."
- Justin Chadwick
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Latest Comments
True, they need to tackle better, but also Scotland put them under a lot of pressure and 90% of that pressure came from basic errors. Like missing your kick offs, clearing kicks only going 5-10meters. Missing lineout jumpers on the throw etc.
Go to commentsBorthwick was the only person to have stayed with Eddie jones after most left .
So yes man comes to mind and not someone who is a strong character with a vision .
He picked the backroom staff and players and made the decisions to replace players at the crucial moments in the game that transpired to be fatally wrong . He resorted to safety first approach at the death .
Marcus has had to adapt to three no 9,s . Spencer should never have been dropped, as it proved to be .
Fin Smith should have been in the 23 and certainly not Ford .
A clear out is way past time and I do hope Borthwick can see this .
Ugo is rightfully annoyed at the utter wastefulness of the England set up .
We should not be talking like this but enjoying englands success .
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