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NSW Waratahs confirm list of the 13 players that are leaving
By
Liam Heagney
Recent Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finalists the Waratahs have confirmed the full list of 13 players that are leaving following a season that culminated in an end-of-season awards night on Friday. Darren Coleman’s side won eight of its 14 regular season matches before bowing out in the playoffs away to the Chiefs in New Zealand last month.
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Coleman used 40 players across the campaign and the Waratahs have now confirmed that 13 are departing – five with no definite decision taken yet on where their next step is. A club statement read: “Darren Coleman’s side was the surprise packet of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season, qualifying for the finals for the first time since 2018.
“Coleman used 40 players during his campaign, with several departing the side and taking opportunities abroad for 2023 and beyond. Alex Newsome swaps Sydney for France where he will play with Clermont in the French Top 14.
“Newsome has been a mainstay of the side since arriving from the Western Force notching up 71 caps, including playing every minute of the past two seasons and captaining the side during Jake Gordon’s absence in 2021.
“Triston Reilly has joined the Wests Tigers in the NRL while James Ramm has linked up with the Northampton Saints in England. Jeremy Williams will head west and link up with former Waratahs assistant coach Simon Cron at the Western Force.
“British and Irish Lions and Wales Test legend Jamie Roberts has announced his retirement from rugby, with the Waratahs finals loss to the Chiefs in Hamilton his last professional match. Waratahs flanker Carlo Tizzano and scrum-half Jack Grant have joined Ealing Trailfinders in the UK second division. Ruan Smith has headed back to South Africa to link up with his twin brother JP at the Lions in Johannesburg, while lock Geoff Cridge has returned home to New Zealand.”
Head coach Coleman said: “All of these guys played a big role in turning the club around and the successes we’ve had this season. They are all dedicated professionals, but most importantly are good blokes and I wish them nothing but success in their future careers.”
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Waratahs 2022 departing players
Alex Newsome (Clermont), Carlo Tizzano (Ealing Trailfinders), Henry Robertson (TBC), Hugh Bokenham (TBC), Geoff Cridge (TBC), Jack Grant (Ealing Trailfinders), James Ramm (Northampton Saints), Jamie Roberts (retired), Jeremy Williams (Western Force), Max Douglas (TBC), Ruan Smith (Lions), Tevita Funa (TBC), Triston Reilly (Wests Tigers – NRL)
