The NSW Waratahs have bolstered their front-row stocks with a mixture of youth and experience, locking in Ruan Smith and Archer Holz for 2022 Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Both players signed one-year deals on Thursday.
Smith, born and raised in South Africa, boasts more than eight years of Super Rugby experience after making his debut for the Western Force in 2012, spending five seasons with the Brumbies, two at the Queensland Reds and one with the Melbourne Rebels.
He also has played abroad after spending time in Japan with stints at Toyota Verblitz.
Smith’s signing with the Waratahs will give him the opportunity to become the first player to represent all five Australian Super Rugby sides and will be aligned with the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield.
The veteran prop is excited for the next chapter in his career.
“DC (Darren Coleman) called me and asked if I was interested in playing for the Waratahs and told me I had a lot to offer the group,” Smith said.
“Playing for Waratahs is a massive opportunity. It’s the biggest team in Australia.”
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Head coach Coleman said it was no secret the Waratahs struggled at scrum time during this year’s winless campaign.
“So with the few spots we needed to fill, size, experience and an aggressive nature were key aspects we were looking for and Ruan ticks all those boxes,” Coleman said.
Holz grew up in Lightning Ridge, a small outback town in north-western NSW, and later attended The Kings school in Parramatta, playing GPS and Australian Barbarians in 2018.
He played first grade colts in 2019 straight out of high school at Eastern Suburbs in the Shute Shield, before making his first-grade debut for the club as 20-year-old in 2020 under current Waratahs forwards coach Pauli Taumoepeau.
Strong showings in the Shute Shield prompted the Brumbies to offer Holtz a contract for their 2021 Super Rugby campaign, in which he made his debut in round four against the Reds.
The proud New South Welshman is excited at the prospect of fulfilling a childhood dream of playing for the Waratahs.
“Growing up in country NSW and playing rugby as kid, the Waratahs has always been the team I supported, so I’m really grateful to get the opportunity to hopefully wear the sky blue,” Holtz said.
Taumoepeau is looking forward to having another big body to reinforce his front-row stocks.
“What Archer brings naturally is a really big body, and he knows how to use it effectively,” Taumoepeau said.
“He’s a beast in the scrum and had a lot of success there for us at Easts and brings a real presence in defence.”
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Looked to me to have decent ball skills last season, was great aerially in the line outs for a younger lock
jeznez
Roar Guru
I tend to think HJH is probably still the first choice 3 and yeah, I’d say Faulkner number four until one of Brown, Tauakipulu or Holz shows they are ready. HJH could play whichever side the first young guy to put up their hand doesn’t. There are plenty of options with both Harry and Tet capable on either side.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Adds depth if not top notch players. I would start Bell and Smith, which side does HJH play this year? Is Faulkner our 4th best prop if Holz is not ready yet?
jameswm
Roar Guru
200cm and 105kg. Only 21 so can fill out. Is he agile/skilled?
jeznez
Roar Guru
Yeah mate. Ned joins in April, think Holloway may be with the squad already
Rhys
Roar Rookie
It’s actually the young tah Max Douglas, I reckon he’s a real prospect and if he continues an upward trend in improvement over the next couple seasons could seek higher opportunities
jameswm
Roar Guru
Is it Kane Douglas?
jameswm
Roar Guru
Holloway abs Hanigan are back?
30mm tags
Roar Rookie
How many players only make up a squad, with little chance of getting game time ? Curtain raisers, before Super Rugby games, could be used. To avoid flying a massive squad around the country or to NZ, and to limit costs, 2 local club teams, incorporating by invitation, members from the extended squad of the home game team , should be having a game prior to the main game to give exposure and game time to those members of the squads .
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Yep. He was never going to be a Wallaby but is a reasonable Super player, particularly at scrum time.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Definitely JP the loosehead and Ruan the tight.
Locky
Guest
Too many head-knocks? “Playing for Waratahs is a massive opportunity. It’s the biggest team in Australia.”
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Yeah, having a bit of fun. :stoked: But no, JP Smith is not the one the Tahs need. We need the TH twin, not the LH twin. So Coleman has chosen wisely.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
And Chris Feauai-Sautia
Hazel Nutt
Roar Rookie
Might be mistaken, but isn't Ruan the LH while JP is the TH? Perhaps they both play either side?
jeznez
Roar Guru
It is a shame, he's a good player and just a bit unlucky with where the squad is at. Hooper is back for two seasons and we'd expect him to be heading off-shore after the WC in 2023. If we invest in Gamble to take over he'll be 27 by the time he's a regular starter. Alternatively we can try to lock in Tizzano who'd only be 23. Carlo, if he is managed well and given the opportunity, could be our starting openside for 7 or more seasons.
Hazel Nutt
Roar Rookie
Shame, I hope someone else picks him up.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Ah I see, I didn’t know that. I know what you mean though and I agree, he hasn’t nailed down a spot somewhere to the point they’re desperate to hold onto them. But from what I’ve seen, he’s been solid enough and at the tahs i will take that after last season
jeznez
Roar Guru
Not sure Hazel. He was on a one year extension last year and with Hooper returning and Tizzano offered to stay I guess they didn’t have room for him.
Hazel Nutt
Roar Rookie
Hey Jez, SMH has reported that the Tahs squad is more or less finalised but the list they published has neither Tizzano nor Gamble. Any idea what’s happening with them? Edit: My bad, missed Tizzano on the list. Do you know where Gamble is headed?