The NSW Waratahs can today confirm the signing of Wallabies Hooker Tolu Latu on a one-year deal for the 2023 season.
The 21-Test Wallaby has finished his three-season stint with Stade Francais in the French Top 14 and will add valuable depth to the Waratahs’ forward pack ahead of their 2023 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Latu, a Canterbury Junior and Sydney University Hooker, has enjoyed plenty of success at the Waratahs, making his Super Rugby debut in 2014 and featuring in their Super Rugby Final win over the Crusaders.
The 29-year-old hooker spent six seasons and amassed 55 caps in Sky-Blue before heading to France at the conclusion of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
The dynamic hooker most recently played for the Wallabies on their Northern Hemisphere tour last year, featuring in two Tests as one of Dave Rennie’s overseas selections.
Latu is also no stranger to Waratahs’ Head Coach Darren Coleman after playing under him with the NSW Country Eagles in the National Rugby Championship.
The Wallaby hooker was grateful for the chance to return home to NSW and play for the Waratahs.
“I’m so excited to be going back to where it all started for me,” Latu said.
“Sydney is, and always will be my home, and I’m so fortunate to be given the opportunity to represent the Waratahs once again.
“I can’t wait to get started.”
Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman was thrilled to add a player of the caliber and experience of Latu to his roster.
“We’ve all seen when he’s on point there are not many more damaging hookers in world rugby,” Coleman said.
“I’ve coached Tolu twice before in NRC and he was always a positive team member.
“We will be working hard to iron out some of his weaknesses and I believe he’ll not only get swept up in our positive team culture but add to it over time.
“He’s a proud Waratah champion who is very motivated to play a part in getting the organisation back to its winning ways.”
Latu will join the squad on December 1 for the start of the Waratahs’ pre-season.
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