Waratahs prop Harry Johnson-Holmes has become the latest player to re-commit on a long-term deal, signing with Australian Rugby until the end of 2024.
Johnson-Holmes has experienced a resurgence in 2022 under Darren Coleman, earning selection for the first Wallabies squad of the year.
The 25-year-old has become an integral piece of the Waratahs' pack, forming an imposing combination with Wallaby Angus Bell and Dave Porecki.
Looking to build off his maiden Wallabies cap in 2019, Johnson-Holmes' call to re-sign was a 'no-brainer', particular given the position the club finds itself in.
“In the end, it was a really easy decision for me to re-sign with the Waratahs and Rugby Australia," he said in a statement.
“NSW is obviously very special to me, and I guess in the end to be able to continue to play my part in putting the club back in the right direction was a no-brainer.
“It’s a place I really love and am incredibly proud of, and I'm surrounded by my best mates and a squad of blokes I really enjoy playing alongside. The team is heading into an exciting era, with a group of young talented footy players that I’m excited to be part of.
“Also having that World Cup just around the corner is another massive motivator to try and put my best foot forward and have a crack at getting into the Wallabies team and hopefully on a plane to France in 2023.”
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This was welcomed by Coleman, who first worked with Johnson-Holmes in NRC, especially pleased with his development over the past 12 months as a threat from both tight and loosehead.
“I’ve known Harry for a long time from our NSW Country Eagles days and he's an outstanding team man and a lot of that has to do with his humble upbringing in Newcastle," he said.
“He’s a good story of the CHS or government school kid that's gone right through the pathway and did it tough in the early part of his career, trying to make it into professional rugby, and is now reaping the rewards from his hard work and dedication to his craft.
“Harry’s versatility through his ability to play at either side of the scrum adds huge value as a team member and has a huge work ethic and an uncanny knack for scoring tries.
“Off the field, he adds as much if not more than he does on the field. He’s got an infectious jovial nature and a caring attitude to his teammates, and everyone's stoked that he's re-signed here for a few years.”
