Rugby Australia statement: Max Jorgensen signs new Waratahs deal

In-demand youngster Max Jorgensen has agreed to a deal that will keep him playing for the Super Rugby Pacific Waratahs until 2026, also ensuring his availability for the Wallabies whose upcoming schedule includes the eagerly awaited 2025 tour of Australia by the British and Irish Lions.

It was only last week that the teenager was linked with a switch to the NRL, but he has decided not to switch codes and to instead stick with rugby union for the next two years.

A statement read: “Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs can confirm that Max Jorgensen has re-committed to Australian Rugby for two more years. The 19-year-old’s contract renewal will see him remain in the sky blue until at least the end of 2026, and in Australia for next year’s much anticipated British and Irish Lions Tour.

“An electric outside back, Jorgensen burst onto the Super Rugby Pacific scene last year, scoring two tries on debut in round one at Allianz Stadium. His Super Rugby Pacific form was rewarded when he was named in the Wallabies training squad in April last year before injury ruled him out of the truncated Rugby Championship.

“Despite this, the then 18-year-old Jorgensen was one of three uncapped players selected in Australia’s 2023 Rugby World Cup squad to head to France. A NSW Rugby pathways product, Jorgensen represented the Waratahs academy at U15, U16 and U18 age levels before spending time in the 2022 Junior Wallabies programme, and was later selected to tour Japan with Australia A in the same year.

“The son of Wallaby number 700, Peter Jorgensen, Max has also signed on as a Get Into Rugby Ambassador, Rugby Australia’s national entry level rugby programme which closely aligns with his own journey to the professional system.”

Jorgensen said: “I couldn’t be happier to commit my future to the Waratahs and Australian Rugby. The game has a lot to look forward to in this country in the coming years, and I am excited by the prospect of being a part of it.

“I am really enjoying my footy, and I believe this is the best place for me to continue my development – for me, it is all about working hard and trying to earn opportunities at the Waratahs, and hopefully the Wallabies.”

Rugby Australia director of high-performance Peter Horne added: “Max is a promising young player and we are very pleased he has committed to Australian Rugby for a further two years.

"He is a mature young man, with an encouraging future and Rugby Australia are looking forward to supporting him as he strives to perform well both on and off the field.”

Waratahs coach Darren Coleman said: “It’s really exciting for both the Waratahs and Australian rugby as a whole to have someone like Max recommit to our sport. A player like him obviously attracts a lot of interest, but I know that he is really motivated to achieve success in his rugby career.

“We have all seen what he can do on the field, but Max is also an awesome team member and the boys love having him as a part of our club. The Waratahs are very happy to keep Max and we look forward to seeing him progress in the sky blue jersey.”