Rising Star Commits to Rugby Union
Talented young athlete, Zach Fittler, has signed a two-year deal with the NSW Waratahs, opting to pursue a career in rugby union over rugby league. The 18-year-old, who recently completed Year 12 at The Scots College in Sydney, was highly sought after by both codes, but ultimately chose to join the Waratahs’ elite academy.
Fittler, a hard-running centre or winger, has already made a name for himself in the rugby community, earning a spot in Australia’s Under 18 development squad. He was a key player in the NSW 2nd XV team that won the Australian Schools Rugby Championship in July.
The Waratahs’ talent identification manager, Andrew Cleverley, praised Fittler’s character, attitude, and ability, saying, “We are thrilled to have Zach continue developing in our pathways system for the next two years.”
Fittler’s decision is a significant boost for rugby union’s recruitment programs, which have faced criticism for allowing NRL-contracted juniors to participate in junior representative teams. However, the Waratahs’ approach has clearly paid off in this case.
Next season, Fittler will have the opportunity to train alongside Wallabies players and high-profile rugby league convert, Joseph Suaali’i, at Daceyville. He will also be part of a strong NSW Waratahs squad that has benefited from the Melbourne Rebels’ demise, with several Wallabies joining the team.
Fittler’s talent was first showcased on social media in 2022, when a video of him playing for the Waratahs under 16s against the Reds went viral. He has since become one of the most promising young players in the sport.
His father, Brad Fittler, is a rugby league legend, having won two premierships and played 31 State of Origin games for NSW and 38 Tests for the Kangaroos. However, Zach has chosen to forge his own path in rugby union, and his future looks bright.
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