Australian Rugby has received a major boost with Dave Porecki and Jock Campbell re-committing to the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds respectively for the foreseeable future.
They each sign extensions which will keep them in Australia until 2024 after being named in their first Wallabies squad earlier in the month.
“It was a pretty easy decision for me to stay at the Waratahs, especially because of the direction we’re headed," Porecki said in a statement.
"I never really considered moving overseas because I wanted to continue to play with this special group. To be a part of such an exciting project and to help build something from the ground up, is the type of stuff that I value as a player. When you look at last year, we were rock bottom, and to see how we're building this year and the improvements the team’s made is incredibly special.
“There is also a lot of excitement around the Wallabies, with the World Cup and the Lions tour on the horizon. Getting a taste of that setup in the camps I’ve been involved in was awesome, but I’ve got to play well and earn my spot first.
“I’m honoured to have re-signed with Queensland and Australian Rugby," Campbell added. “The Reds gave me a shot back in 2019 and I’m really proud to be a product of the Queensland pathway.
“I feel I’ve still got plenty of improvement left in my game and I think that Ballymore is the best place for me to make those improvements.
“Being a part of the Wallabies squad this year has only motivated me to reach the next level and I’m doing everything I can to wear the gold jersey in the future.”
Darren Coleman was equally pleased to lock down Porecki, who has emerged as a key member of their strong 2022 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
"We’re really happy to have Dave re-commit to the Waratahs for a further two years, particularly as he is well regarded and was chased both domestically and abroad," Coleman notes.
“Dave is our resident scrum doctor and is a real technical and knowledgeable problem solver in and around our set piece work. He’s a big part of our leadership group and has a real stabling influence on our younger team members.
“We’re really excited to help him continue his progression and push his case for Wallabies selection."
Meanwhile, Reds GM of Professional Rugby Sam Cordingley was hoping Campbell's rise could be inspirational to the next generation of outside backs, having finally cracked the national set-up after years on the outside.
"Jock's story has been a great lesson in perseverance," Cordingley believes.
"He came through the Queensland club system to get his opportunity with the Reds. He is now approaching 50 games for Queensland and his form has been rewarded with a national contract.
"Jock is a really popular member of the team and we are all looking forward to seeing him reach higher honours in the next few years."
