Randwick stars commit to Waratahs for 2024
In a major boost for the Galloping Greens and Australian Rugby, Randwick Colts and hometown favourites, Ned Hanigan and Will Harrison have committed to NSW Waratahs and Australia Rugby next season.
Wallaby backrower Hanigan has signed on to continue his Super Rugby journey and Wallabies aspirations ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby and Shute Shield season.
The 28-year-old returned to the Waratahs and Wallabies in 2022, following a brief stint in Japan with Kurita Water Gush. Following a 23 Test hiatus, Hanigan ventured back to the Test arena on the end-of-season Spring Tour where he earned caps against Scotland, Italy and Wales.
A graduate of NSW pathways, and progressing from club rugby in Randwick and NSW Country in the NRC, Hannigan made his debut for the Waratahs in 2016, representing the side on 62 occasions, and holding 28 Test Caps.
Along with signing of Hanigan is the key re-signing of Will Harrison.
The 23-year-old local Randwick junior was the 2017 captain of Australian schoolboys, and has collected 235 Super Rugby points over 31 Waratahs caps. Despite numerous injuries throughout his career, Harrison is still regarded as one of the game’s most promising young talents. He was ruled out of the 2023 season due to an ACL repair, however, Head of Athletic Performance Nick Lumley is confident about his return this year.
“Will had an ACL repair in April this year, on the same knee he injured against Rebels in 2022. He's working incredibly hard passed all his gym-based tests and has resumed running.
"He's got more work to do but we're aiming for a return in 2024, however, our primary focus is to get it right so we'll give him whatever time he needs.”
Head Coach Darren Coleman was excited to secure these two Randwick players, as part of four NSW-born stars ahead of the upcoming 2024 Super Rugby Pacific Season.
“These are big players and personalities in our squad. If the four (including Ned and Will) of them can have big seasons it will go a long way to us having a successful 2024 campaign.”
The NSW Waratahs will begin pre-season in the coming month and prepare for their 2024 Super Rugby campaign on the 24th of February at Suncorp Stadium against the QLD Reds.
