The NSW Waratahs have confirmed the signing of former Rebels and Gilitins scrumhalf Harrison Goddard.
The Sydney-born Goddard made his Super Rugby debut in 2017 for the Rebels before heading overseas to the MLR.
Don't miss out! Purchase your tickets for the Rugby Championship
The 24-year-old thrived under Darren Coleman with Gordon and the Gilitins, selected in the all-MLR dream team in back-to-back seasons, and was excited to reunite with his old coach.
“Growing up in Sydney, the Waratahs have been a team I’ve always dreamed of playing for. I got a taste of playing Super Rugby at the Rebels and feel like I've got a little bit of unfinished business with my goals and aspirations in Australian rugby,” Goddard said in a statement.
“LA has been great for me, but I really wanted to come home and keep working hard and pushing myself at Super Rugby level.
“I've been fortunate to work with DC previously and enjoyed some success at Gordon and LA with him so I’m really looking forward to connecting again.”
His return is timely after the departures of Henry Robertson (Western Force) and Jack Grant (Ealing Trailfinders).
Waratahs coach Darren Coleman believes the time spent overseas will have the 'battle-hardened' Goddard ready to compete and slot straight into the squad for 2023.
"We’re delighted to have Harrison join us for next season. He was a bit of a prodigy as a schoolboy and spent a few years in the Rebels program but probably didn't get the game time to develop as he was stuck behind some quality nines there,” Coleman added.
“He's since had three good seasons of club footy and two seasons in LA and he's now more battle-hardened and streetwise from playing big minutes week in and week out as their starting nine.
“Having worked with him at Gordon and LA, he's a good team man, a great young athlete, and has a prodigious right foot which we feel can help take our game to the next level.”
