Andrew Kellaway leads nine Waratahs departures after 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season

The NSW Waratahs have released nine players at the conclusion of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, with 49-cap Wallaby Andrew Kellaway and experienced flanker Charlie Gamble the most high-profile departures. Director of high performance BJ Mather confirmed the exits and paid tribute to the outgoing group.

“On behalf of the Waratahs, I would like to thank all the players that are leaving for the significant contribution they have made to the club, both on and off the field,” Mather said. “Some have been here for several years, others for less, but every one of them has demonstrated immense commitment to the club and given their all in a Waratahs jersey.”

Kellaway, 30, ends his second stint at the club having first debuted in 2016. He leaves with 42 appearances and eight tries, including two this season. After initially departing in 2018, the back built experience through stints in England and Japan and with the Melbourne Rebels before returning ahead of the 2025 campaign. He also added to his international tally last year, featuring in nine Tests to bring his Wallabies total to 49 caps.

Gamble departs after five seasons and 67 appearances, having joined in 2019. The flanker scored six tries and established himself as a consistent presence in the back row, progressing through Sydney’s lower grades and the Shute Shield after leaving New Zealand before earning his Super Rugby contract.

Centre Walton, 26, leaves after 57 caps since his 2020 debut. A regular starter in midfield, he earned Wallabies training squad call-ups, featured for Australia A on multiple tours, and captained the Waratahs once, against the Hurricanes in 2025. Prop Lambert exits with 30 appearances after returning from a stint in Scotland in 2023. He was a regular starter during the Waratahs’ Super Rugby AU-winning season before a knee injury disrupted his 2026 campaign.

Among the remaining departures, Adamson made 21 appearances after joining in 2025, while Talataina featured 13 times following his move from the Melbourne Rebels. McDonald, who had two spells at the club, returned in 2025, and veteran Debreczeni played every game this season and brought up 100 Super Rugby caps during the campaign. Hooker Moananu exits having scored six tries in eight appearances.