As the Waratahs continue to build their list ahead of 2024, one of the most experienced rugby minds in Australia has stepped away from the game, with general manager and scrum coach Andrew Blades leaving the Super Rugby franchise.
The Roar can reveal the former World Cup-winning Wallaby, who served as an assistant coach under Eddie Jones, Robbie Deans and Ewen McKenzie, left the franchise earlier in the month.
Blades, 56, was one of Darren Coleman’s first appointments in August, 2021.
It’s believed the 1999 World Cup winner will largely step away from rugby and explore other business opportunities. Although, whether he does some consulting work at the scrum remains a possibility.
World Cup winner and vastly experienced coach Andrew Blades has moved on from the Waratahs after two years. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Who replaces him in the role remains to be seen, but Coleman is likely to pick up the phone and try and convince former Wallaby Adam Freier, who has built a strong reputation as a general manager, to return from the United States.
But it’s a crucial role, with every governing body under pressure to ensure they retain and develop the best talent coming through.
Meanwhile, the Waratahs will welcome several players to the franchise with halfback Jack Grant set to return from overseas to replace the Brumbies-bound Harrison Goddard.
Hayden Thompson-Stringer will join the Waratahs for the 2024 season. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Former England under-20s prop Hayden Thomson-Stringer, who played alongside Maro Itoje at the junior ranks, has also signed with the Waratahs.
The 28-year-old, who spent years at Saracens and Brive while also being loaned to a number of clubs, including La Rochelle, returns to Sydney having enjoyed a short stint at Manly Marlins in the Shute Shield.
Former Sydney Roosters contracted winger Vuate Karawalevu, who arrived at Easts from Suva last year and spent time playing for their feeder club North Sydney, has also joined.
The 22-year-old recently joined West Harbour after news filtered out that he had joined the Waratahs.
The 193cm, 99kg is a specimen that will excite Coleman.
Junior Wallabies back-rower Ned Slack-Smith has signed for the Waratahs. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Junior Wallabies back-rower Ned Slack-Smith has also joined the Waratahs from the Western Force.
A Barker product, the Slack-Smith started in the Junior Wallabies’ 57-33 win over Wales to finish fifth at the under-20s world championship. The flanker scored in the 76th minute.
Guess
Roar Rookie
I'm starting to think Whitaker is a real problem. Couple of years ago he was blaming defence and how you need it strong to build attack on that. Now defence is better yet attack is non existent. Looks like he's been found out
Farthing
Roar Rookie
When Karawalevu got signed by the Roosters he was described as “the best prospect coming out of Fiji in either code”. He had signed with the Brumbies but COVID meant he never got started. Spent this season injured, couldn’t get going. Could be very very good.
Rogue Estate
Roar Rookie
I prefer locals first to be fair. I don't really like boundary hopping if local development miss's out. Add him as extra for coach learning possibly is my only exception I think or wanting to relocate for citizenship - but not an impact of removing a local spot. That one spot he takes can compound down the ladder to someone leaving to another code? I suppose my feelings are not part of professional sport today as I'm still favouring youth coaching to have a sound pathway not taken over by visitors.
Joey
Roar Rookie
Peni was only signed this year unfortunately but he would of been good to keep. I forgot about Sef but he was scrumming well this season. Nasser was brilliant in 2022 so if he is back then the Hooker role should be down pat for 80 mins. Still, if Peni stays then our front row should definitely be strong enough to at least not concede penalties for the whole game.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Need to keep the Fijian bloke who get better as the season went on. They've also got Sef Faagase for next year. Hopefully Nasser fit and available next year for the hooker spot. Not overly inspiring or a threat, but amongst this group Reds should have enough to have a serviceable front row group.
HiKa
Roar Rookie
You're a hard marker for an u20 forward, but you're right about readiness.
Randy
Roar Rookie
Freo has the heritage buildings, greater Perth is relentlessly dull and homogenous looking... sorry Perth ppl.
Jimbo81
Roar Rookie
It’s abundantly clear that the 2023/4 Reds have been completely white-anted as they were in 2012/13. This is very bad for the game. The entire country relies on a strong Reds program to raise standards across the states.
Hunters
Roar Rookie
You've given me the best laugh of the day do far. (Not meaning to be mean. I can understand your question if you're not from the Sydney private school circle. But funny nevertheless.)
Joey
Roar Rookie
Harry Hoopert should be good for next season which will be a strong front row of Hooper, Faessler & Nonggorr but will still need some stronger subs.
Steve
Roar Rookie
You’re not seriously calling Marika and Vunivalu Rugby League wingers. They literally played rugby union their whole life until signed by the Tigers and Storm
Dean
Roar Rookie
Who cares about someone's school? Pretty sad existence. Highlights one of the biggest handbrakes on Australian Rugby - the sad School links.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
It's a good move on the prop front. Tahs have Bell then a big gap at LH. Same with the TH side. HJH is a Super standard TH but little behind him. So the Pom should be a handy pick up.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
But the quokka’s are cute
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Jez, I think you need to get out more!!!
Malotru
Roar Rookie
As someone who lived there (Perth) for most of his life, I would hardly suggest that Perth has charm Paul. That is unless you like burgeoning traffic, barely muted aggression and the myopic attitude that many Perthites have towards the rest of OZ.
Try Hard
Roar Rookie
Well done Tahs. Meanwhile back at the Reds…….. silence is deafening. Surely a backline revamp is needed. Props are grade standard only and the locks are the same. How many were picked for the Wallaby squad. That tells a story. Whilst revamping the team, do the same for the management and Board. Give Les Kiss a fighting chance. A known fact…. The Wallabies do well when the reds are strong.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
I grew up Sydney in 70s 80s that place got loved to death but at one time unbeatable.
RD
Roar Rookie
DC himself needs to start looking out. The forwards coach needs to be replaced along with Attack coach Whitaker. Some dumb signings. Need solid tights heads, tight head locks with grunt. Not hybrid lock/blindsides
HittingGapsWithNoGas
Roar Rookie
I think both codes produce the cream but League has a bigger knife to skim it off the top. The Dolphins haven’t teamed up with Nudgee for corporate social responsibility purposes.