Leicester Tigers request the return of Polota-Nau from Australia

Veteran Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau's loan stint with the NSW Waratahs is over, with his English club Leicester recalling him.

Polota-Nau made two Super Rugby appearances off the bench in Australian derbies against the Reds and Brumbies for the Tahs, as short-term injury cover,

Fellow Wallabies hooker Tolu Latu still has four more weeks of a suspension to serve, so Andrew Tuala joins the squad.

“Tuala had two great games with our Emerging Waratahs side and has been working hard at our training sessions," said Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson.

"Our team is very grateful to Tatafu and Leicester Tigers for helping us fill a short-term injury cover.

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"We entered a loan arrangement always knowing Leicester would want him back in England in the near future.

"Tatafu slotted back into the squad with such ease and was a big contributor for the squad.

"It also gave Tatafu the chance to show Aussie selectors how he’s progressi ng ahead of the World Cup."

Polota-Nau added experience to the depleted Waratahs front row stocks with props Tom Robertson and Shambeckler Vui still recovering from injuries.

The Waratahs dropped to third in the Australian conference after last week's loss to the Brumbies and face the two-time defending champions the Crusaders at the SCG on Saturday.

AAP