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Charlie Gamble – the heir apparent to Michael Hooper in the Waratahs No.7 jersey – has re-signed for a further two years.
The 26-year-old has developed a cult following in recent years, with the moustache-sporting back-rower winning over followers with his abrasiveness, physicality and competitiveness on both sides of the ball.
His brilliant 2022 caught the eye of former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie, but the New Zealand-born back-rower could not pull on the gold jersey given he’s not eligible to play for Australia until next month. He was, however, included in Rennie’s 44-man training squad at the start of the year.
How Eddie Jones considers Gamble remains to be seen, but given the coach has often played two fetchers in the same back-row – George Smith and Phil Waugh (Australia), Sam Underhill and Tom Curry (England) – his physicality will likely be strongly considered.
His journey also resonated with the Australian public, with the former Crusaders academy player opting to head across the ditch and play club rugby in Sydney’s Subbies competition before being spotted and asked to play for Eastern Suburbs.
The NSW Waratahs Women take on Force and the Tahs men battle the Chiefs in an enthralling double-header on Friday, 24 March at Allianz Stadium.
Charlie Gamble caught the eye of Dave Rennie. But will new Wallabies coach Eddie Jones share the same feeling? Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Gamble quickly found his way into the Waratahs’ plans and last year he took out the franchise’s best forward award.
His two-year extension deal gives the Waratahs a plan for life after Hooper, with the Wallabies’ most-capped captain weighing up his next career move.
While Gamble can play anywhere in the back-row, his preferred position is openside flanker but he could well feature more and more in the blind-side position in 2023.
“I’m really excited to be re-signing with the Waratahs, they provided me with the opportunity to play Super Rugby and I’ll always be extremely grateful for that,” Gamble said in a statement.
“I love living in Sydney, I love NSW, and I love the Waratahs. Things are building nicely here, and I honestly believe we can do something special with the squad we have.
“The coaching staff, players, and facilities are all first class, and it was a really easy decision for me in the end.”
Charlie Gamble is set to start for the Waratahs against the Hurricanes and shapes as Michael Hooper’s heir apparent. Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
Waratahs coach Darren Coleman was ecstatic to keep hold of the back-rower.
“Charlie is a talented and hardworking player, and we’re thrilled he’s going to continue to be a Waratah,” Coleman said.
“He was one of the standouts, not just for the Waratahs, but in the whole Super Rugby Pacific competition last season and a big part of our turnaround.
“His dedication and work ethic is second to none, and with our future in mind, he is a huge signing for the team.”
General manager Andrew Blades added: “Charlie is an important player for the Waratahs, and we’re delighted to retain his services.”
Gamble is set to start against the Hurricanes on Friday night in Wellington, with his abrasiveness to be important against a rampant New Zealand side who are set to welcome back Ardie Savea.
While the Waratahs will be without Hugh Sinclair for the match, Wallabies blindside flanker Lachie Swinton is set to feature despite some concerns over his foot over the weekend. He is set to be joined by Ned Hanigan, who looks likely to play his first match of the year.
Max Jorgensen – the teenage flyer, who has scored three tries in his first two Super Rugby matches – is likely to start at fullback, which could see Ben Donaldson start in the No.10 jersey.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.