‘Promising’ Wallabies rookie returns to ‘home state’ after Rebels downfall

Wallabies speedster Darby Lancaster.
The Waratahs have announced that they have acquired the services of exciting new Wallabies speedster Darby Lancaster, who has signed a contract for the 2025 season.
The 21-year-old is no stranger to New South Wales as he hails from Kempsey on the Mid-North Coast region of the Australian state and played his junior rugby there with Waratahs outside back Triston Reilly.
Lancaster also represented Australia’s U20 and Sevens teams and shone on the 2022/23 World Rugby Sevens Series circuit.
Hat-trick hero
He made his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the now defunct Melbourne Rebels earlier this year and announced himself in that competition by scoring a hat-trick of tries against the Highlanders.
Lancaster was also included in Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt’s squad for their mid-year international campaign and made his Test debut on the wing in their victory against Georgia in Sydney earlier this month.
New Waratahs director of performance Simon Raiwalui is delighted that one of Australia’s most promising outside backs is joining the Sydney-based outfit.
“We’re thrilled to have Darby joining the Waratahs,” Raiwalui said.
“Darby is a product of NSW and is happy to be returning to his home state. He’s a player who’s blessed with tremendous speed and evasive skills and his best years are in front of him.
“After a promising debut season in the Super Rugby this year, I’m excited to see the quality that Darby will bring to our backline in 2025.”
Lancaster is looking forward to returning to his home state and is determined to add value in his new surroundings.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Waratahs and coming back to NSW,” Lancaster said.
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“The Waratahs are a proud club with a rich history and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.
“Growing up in Kempsey, I supported the Waratahs as a kid so I can’t wait to run out onto Allianz Stadium in the sky blue jersey.
“It will be great to be a part of a backline in 2025 that includes players such as Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, and Joseph Suaali’i.”
Brumbies also sign an ex-Rebel
Meanwhile, the Brumbies have announced that they signed another former Rebel, David Feliuai, for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Season.
Primarily an outside back, the 27-year-old was also part of the Wallabies squad during the mid-year internationals but is yet to make his Test debut.
Feliuai is excited about his move and hopes make a positive impact at the Canberra-based franchise.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to join the Brumbies and can’t wait to meet the players and staff,” he said.
“I feel very privileged to be in this position to join a club with a proud rugby history. I’m happy to be making the move to Canberra.”
Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham expressed his delight at Feliuai’s decision to join the club.
“It is great to have someone of David’s calibre joining the Brumbies for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season,” he said.
“He had a very good year with the Melbourne Rebels, where he was rewarded with his first Wallabies squad selection in June. David has great foot work and spatial awareness, with the added ability to break tackles in contact. We look forward to him joining us for the 2025 season.”