Waratahs and Wallabies centre Izaia Perese has re-committed until the end of 2024.
Perese was one of the biggest revelations in Australian Rugby in 2021, inking a two-year deal last January after a stint in France.
Despite a red card in his first game for the club, the 24-year-old was electric on his return, dominating the opposition in Super Rugby AU and Trans-Tasman.
His incredible run of form saw him capture the Matt Burke Cup, just the second player, after Wallabies captain Michael Hooper, to win the award in his first season with the club.
This caught the attention of selectors, with Wallabies coach Dave Rennie calling him up for his debut against Scotland.
"A major part of me re-signing is my happiness, I just love the Waratahs and everything they are about, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity that the Waratahs gave me last season," Perese said in a statement.
“The whole organisation from the coaching staff, players, and admin office opened their arms and looked after me making me feel incredibly welcome. So, it was an easy decision to extend my time here.
“I genuinely believe we are building something pretty special here at the Waratahs under Darren Coleman, Jason Gilmore, Chris Whitaker, and Pauli Taumoepeau. Our playing group is one of a kind and it’s an environment that has allowed me to play my best footy and a place I want to stick around and be a part of.
“It’s a similar feeling in what Dave Rennie is doing with the Wallabies and the culture he has established in his time there. I’m extremely grateful for the experience I got on the Spring Tour last year and it’s a team I’m incredibly motivated to be a part of, especially with a Rugby World Cup not too far away.”
Rennie and Waratahs coach Darren Coleman were equally as pleased to lock down the former Red beyond the 2023 World Cup.
“Izzy’s commitment to the Waratahs and Wallabies is a great result for Australian Rugby. He has a real point of difference in the way he can create genuine impact on both sides of the ball," Rennie believes
“We feel he’s still scratching the surface of what he’s capable of as a player and this new contract will allow him to settle in Sydney with his young family which will create a positive environment for him to continue to grow."
“Izzy is a genuine powerhouse that could lay claim to being one of the most powerful ball carriers in Australian Rugby," Darren Coleman added.
“We are delighted that he’s decided to re-commit to the Waratahs as he is an incredibly sought-after player and it’s a good reflection of the trajectory we are on.
“Izzy is a pleasure to coach, and we are confident our team and program can turn him into a World Cup Wallaby.”
