Back-rower Clem Halaholo has pledged his immediate future to the Waratahs by signing a new deal with the club until the end of 2027.
Halaholo, 22, played in all but one of our 14 Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific games in his breakout season in 2026, scoring three tries.
Despite leaving the club at the end of the 2025 season having not played a game, Halaholo was handed an opportunity to return ahead of last year’s Super Rugby AUS, which he grasped with both hands, winning the player of the match award in the final.
And the Sydney-born back-rower was delighted to see his hard work pay off in earning a new contract with the Waratahs.
“I’m excited to have another year in the blue of the Waratahs, the team I grew up watching, supporting and hoping to play for one day. Now here I am re-signing with the club,” Halaholo said
“Just a year ago I had nothing and now to be continuing to live my dream is everything for me.”
Born in the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown, Halaholo started playing rugby at the age of 11 at Clovelly Sea Eagles before moving to Randwick Myrtle Green Warriors.
In 2021 and already a part of the Waratahs Academy, he left Waverley College before making his first grade debut the following year for Sydney University at the age of 18.
Halaholo continued to play junior rugby league for the Sydney Roosters but turned heads in 2022, when he played for the NSW Waratahs Gen Blue side in the under-19s National Rugby Championships.
He received a late call-up to the Junior Wallabies for the U20 World Cup in 2023 and went on to become a full-time member of the Waratahs Super Rugby Pacific squad in 2025.
Unfortunately for the 22-year-old, he found opportunities limited during the year and was subsequently farewelled by the club at the end of that season. However, head coach Dan McKellar performed a U-turn and recalled Halaholo for our 2025 Super Rugby AUS campaign, with the back-rower also working for a construction firm at this stage.
Halaholo gave the preparation for the competition his all and worked his way into the starting line-up, becoming a key part of the title-winning side, including his formidable performance and try in the 33-26 victory over the Western Force in the final in Perth.
Halaholo was added to the Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific squad for 2026 and impressed throughout pre-season to be named to debut in Round 1 against the Reds at Allianz Stadium, scoring the first try of the season for the team in a 36-12 win.
He has become an integral part of the back-row unit, with his work-rate and carrying ability proving to be a vital asset for the Waratahs in 2026.
And McKellar was quick to praise Halaholo’s determination to return to the fold and contribution to the group in his debut Super Rugby season.
“It’s fantastic news for the NSW Waratahs to have Clem sign a new contract with the club,” McKellar said.
“It’s vital that we continue to promote home-grown talent from New South Wales and the Academy into our main squad. Clem has earnt that opportunity through his commitment to becoming a better rugby player.
“He reacted well to dropping out of the squad this time last year and his game has gone up a level since, firstly in Super Rugby AUS and then Super Rugby this year.
“We hope that Clem will continue to work hard, improve and become an important part of the Waratahs squad for a number of years.”
