Rising star and Wallabies prop Issac Kailea will join the NSW Waratahs ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 24-year-old has had a meteoric rise in 2024, parlaying a strong season with the Melbourne Rebels into an international debut against Wales.
Tickets to 2024 Wallabies home Tests are available here.
Kailea would start in his maiden Test against Georgia and has played in four of the first five Tests of 2024.
The part Tongan and Chilean prop has risen through the Victorian system, making his debut for the Rebels in 2021 after a shift from back row.
Kailea was looking forward to the new challenge and working under former Wallabies forwards coach Dan McKellar.
“I’m very happy to be joining the Waratahs and excited about the opportunity to play for such a proud club and improve my game under Dan McKellar and the coaching staff," Kailea said in a statement.
“I’m encouraged by the direction the Waratahs are moving in and am looking forward to working hard with some pinnacle events on the horizon for Rugby in Australia.”
It adds to the growing front-row stocks at the Waratahs following the signing of fellow former Rebel Taniela Tupou alongside Wallabies Angus Bell and Dave Porecki.
“We’re very happy to have Isaac at the Waratahs in 2025," Waratahs Director of Performance, Simon Raiwalui said.
“Isaac is a good young player and one of the most promising props in the country.
“He’s tough, durable and a dynamic scrummager, and importantly, his best years are ahead of him.
“I’m excited to see how he gels with the likes of Angus Bell, David Porecki and Taniela Tupou and the positive impact he will make next year.”
