New recruit Rahboni Warren-Vosayco has revealed there was a fire to return home despite conceding he was looking forward to working under axed coach Rob Penney.
Warren-Vosayco joined the club at the start of Trans-Tasman from Munakata Sanix Blues in Japan's Top League.
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With his return delayed by a calf complaint, he made his debut last weekend off the bench against the Highlanders.
Speaking to media on Monday, he admits the prospect of playing alongside a stacked back-row was an exciting thought as he attempts to establish a permanent starting spot.
“I had a fire to want to come back and an opportunity had opened up where I got in contact with the ‘Tahs and my management about three months before I came over,” he said.
“I was definitely excited seeing Swinto (Lachie Swinton) and when I was growing up, I got the opportunity to play against Dempo (Jack Dempsey) and they are great players.
“I’ll be able to learn a lot from them and hopefully I can give something back to them but definitely keen on building chemistry with all the back-rowers here.”
The 25-year-old made the move from Shute Shield to Japan in 2017, sounded out by former Waratahs coach Rob Penney.
“I was playing Shute Shield at the time and Rob Penney, who was the coach at NTT, reached out as we had an injury in the back-row and they needed a back-rower and luckily I got the call,” he explained.
“For me, I can always look back at my Japan time fondly. It gave me my first chance at professional Rugby and also the chance to support myself and my family.
“I learnt a lot going to Japan so you can never really live in a ‘what if’, If I stayed (at home), I might not be here right now, I’d probably be still playing grade (Rugby) or working.”
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Warren-Vosayaco revealed discussions began for his return three months ago, with Penney still in charge.
Whilst the back-rower will always have a 'soft spot' for Penney, he is confident whoever is appointed as full-time coach can help revive the Waratahs' fortunes.
“I’ve always got a soft spot for Rob,” he admitted. “He was the first guy that gave me my opportunity so I’m always going to have an open heart to him.
“When I signed here, he was the coach so I was looking forward to working with him.
“It’s a shame for me but hopefully at some point in my career, I can tee up with him again.”
