Waratahs flyhalf Ben Donaldson has capped off a breakout season, signing a two-year extension with the club.
Donaldson was one of the shining lights for the Waratahs in 2021, stepping up into the starting side after an injury to Will Harrison.
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He would instantly impress, eventually finding himself in the role permanently entering Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
Whilst his season was cut abruptly short due to injury, he was proud to remain in NSW and play for the Waratahs for the next two seasons.
“Obviously as a NSW boy, I’ve always wanted to play for the Waratahs, so it was a pretty easy decision in the end,” Donaldson said.
“After getting a crack last year, I feel like I belong here at this level and have loved every minute I’ve gotten the opportunity to wear the Sky-Blue.
“We’re definitely building, and the boys are hungrier and more eager to perform for our state and fans next year. The overall goal is to win a competition but to do that we need to perform each week on the training paddock and the field.
We had a big injury list this year with a large number of guys who would normally be in the match day 23 unavailable so in a way it feels like they’re almost like new signings for us next year.
“So, you mix those guys with some new signings in Hoops, Ned and Jed, plus a guy like Rahboni who joined us late, I’m really confident about the team we’re going to put out on the park next year."
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Waratahs attacking coach Chris Whittaker, who called up Donaldson to the starting side during his tenure as co-coach, believes the 22-year-old will be a crucial piece of their backline heading forward.
“He’s calm and composed under pressure and that’s exactly what you want from your fly-half and you could see that this year in his performance against the Western Force in his first game back from injury,” Whitaker said.
“He’s a product of our pathways, he came straight out of school into our academy and we’re really impressed with his development and are looking forward to what he can bring to the Waratahs in 2022 and beyond.”
