Waratahs 2025

[Major Tom]

He can play both sides. If I'm McKellar, I'm doing everything I can to transition him into my permanent THP, Tupou is only good for about 15 mins, 30 on a good day.

Never seen him play THP. He’s only been playing in the front row for a few years. Not sure what evidence you have that he plays both sides. Tupou will be fine to play 50 mins super rugby each week.

 

[TSR]

I have no idea if he can play THP but given he is a Wallaby at LHP my preference from the cheap seats is to let him continue to develop there.

I understand the need to back up Tupou but I also would like to see a quality back up to Bell. Given that the Tahs also have Lambert and have Jack Barrett coming through I understand the temptation. I just think it’s a very big ask to get an established test LHP to swap sides. If he can already play there - great. But otherwise there is no guarantee he’ll ever be a Wallaby contender as THP. At the very least you probably set him back 2 yrs.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Tah Time: Beyond The Field

In 2025, cameras were invited into the NSW Waratahs Pre-Season. See what it takes to prepare for the men and women Super Rugby seasons.

m.youtube.com

First ep of an 8 part series.

 

[Crashy]

Puts Dan in a good light. Like also the inclusion of the women's team.
I wonder if the day ever comes when the 2 teams do a full contact session. ( or 75%).

 

[Cole]

Puts Dan in a good light. Like also the inclusion of the women's team.
I wonder if the day ever comes when the 2 teams do a full contact session. ( or 75%).

Reds Academy did a semi opposed session against Womens team last week, very different standards. Don't think any point the men training against them, only be for media purposes if any.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

It serves no purpose for either outside of media in regards to contact work. Becomes a genuine safety issue really when you realise the force generated by the blokes. Even an accidental collision at a jog could really hurt someone.

It's good content and engagement. Perfect time to release it as well right before the season.

 

[Adam84]

there's also the glaring issue that men are fully paid professionals and women are still semi-professional/amateur

 

[LeCheese]

It serves no purpose for either outside of media in regards to contact work. Becomes a genuine safety issue really when you realise the force generated by the blokes. Even an accidental collision at a jog could really hurt someone.

Absolutely - I've witnessed several injuries in non-contact mixed social sports (basketball, touch) from exactly that. The risks certainly outweigh the rewards

 

[Adam84]

Aussie 7's, the only fully professional female rugby team in Australia have done opposed training against 1st XV schoolboys and U18 teams from time to time... Which is probably a better representative of the weight/size difference in the players

 

[Wilson]

Worth noting the Women's 7s side do semi-regular opposed sessions against men's sides, but it's usually under 20s/colts