NSW Waratahs poised to poach Folau Fainga’a from France after shock Dave Porecki retirement

The shock departure of Wallabies hooker Dave Porecki will be offset by the impending arrival of Folau Fainga’a.

The 28-Test Wallabies hooker is understood to have been granted an early release from French club Clermont, with a year to run on his contract, to join NSW from the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

It is a huge boost to the Tahs front row after the shock retirement of Porecki a few weeks ago, on top of the front row losses of Wallabies Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou.

Bell is exercising a sabbatical clause in his contract to play for Irish club Ulster next year, before returning for the Wallabies Tests from July. He will play for NSW in 2027.

Tupou is joining French club Racing 92, and will be available for the Wallabies under World Rugby’s regulation nine rule, but is unlikely to wear the Waratahs jersey again.

The Waratahs would not comment on the Fainga’a situation, but Rugby Confidential understands a deal is imminent.

It is a shrewd move by coach Dan McKellar, given NSW is desperate for the Test-level hooker next year.

Porecki announced his retirement after the British & Irish Lions series, leaving the Wallabies and Tahs scrambling for options.

Fainga’a, 30, played for four years at the Brumbies from 2018-22, before joining Western Force in 2023.

He became renowned as a try-scoring freak with his five-pointers from rolling mauls.

Fainga’a then took up an offer to join Clermont, and was due to play through next year with the club.

His return next year will make him eligible for the Wallabies spring tour and Test matches next year, giving Australia another solid option for the 2027 World Cup.

Fainga’a previously represented the Wallabies at the 2019 World Cup.

The impending signing follows some impressive backroom manoeuvring by the Tahs, who have managed to also lure Wallabies Harry Potter and Matt Philip to Daceyville.

Winger Potter joins from the Force, while lock Philip has come back from Japan and already assumed captaincy duties for NSW’s Super Rugby AUS campaign starting Friday night against the Force in Warringah.

SCHMIDT CONFIRMS WALLABIES TRACKING NAWAQANITAWASE

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt says Mark Nawaqanitawase remains a consideration for the 2027 World Cup after carving up in the NRL for the Sydney Roosters this year.

Schmidt happened to run into Nawaqanitawase two weeks ago and was impressed with his physical condition.

As we reported last week, Rugby Australia is not interested in entering a crazy bidding war for the star winger, but they’d be crazy to pass up on a genuine matchwinner who was the Wallabies’ best player at the 2023 World Cup.

“Mark Nawaqanitawase is a guy that we’ve kept our eye on for sure,” Schmidt said.

“He’s certainly scored some pretty impressive tries for the Roosters and I don’t think we discount anyone in terms of players who have either been in the gold jersey previous or have come through the school system and potentially would like to be back involved with rugby union just because there’s so much talent among some of those players.

“His athleticism in the air is not too different from Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

“To have athletes like that, it’s always something that would add value.

“But at the same time, we’ve got guys who’ve stayed invested in rugby union and Max Jorgensen has been outstanding, Corey Toole has come through and his two Tests have been really impressive. Harry Potter, before he got injured, was playing really well and Dylan Peach brings a real physical edge out wide.

“And so there are a few wingers that have been good for us as well.

“I saw Mark in passing a couple of weeks ago and he certainly looked in good shape.

“There’s a few guys floating around that have been in the rugby union production line, who I don’t think Rugby Australia have closed the door either. A lot of that rests in Mark’s court as to what he does next.

“I haven’t spoken to Trent (Roosters coach Trent Robinson) about it. I’m not sure Trent is looking to let him go at this stage either.”

LAUNDY’S BIG SHOUT

The Sydney hotel tycoon who saved the NRL’s Bulldogs from financial ruin is now helping out the rival code.

Legendary billionaire pub owner Arthur Laundy has generously loaned one of his most famous catering holes to the Australian Rugby Foundation, the sport’s philanthropic arm.

On Friday, the foundation will hold a fundraiser at the famous Woolly Bay Hotel at Woolloomooloo on the eve of the Wallabies test against Argentina at Allianz Stadium.

HOT PROPERTY

Everyone loves a winner, especially when it comes to rugby.

The Wallabies’ turnaround has got everyone wanting to get on board with the game.

After banking record profits during the British & Irish Lions tour to clear all their debts, RA has been cashing in with full houses at all the Wallabies’ Tests, with the highest attendances in decades.

And now, our scouts tell us, RA has lured a new naming rights sponsor for next season’s Super Rugby Pacific tournament.

SON OF A GUN

Another son of an ex-Wallaby is making big strides with the Queensland Reds.

Tom Howard is the latest familiar name to get a jersey with the state side.

The son of former Wallaby Pat Howard, Tom has been selected to play fullback in the Queensland Under 19s against the ACT Brumbies at Ballymore on Sunday.

“I’m over the moon. Fullback is where I play my best rugby,” Howard said.

“Counter-attacking is probably my biggest strength. From fullback, you get to see the picture in front of you whether it’s for using your skills to kick the ball or spot a lazy defender or to set up a teammate.”

CHANGING TEAMS

The poaching of the top talent from the southern hemisphere to Europe continued unabated.

South Africa have just lost one their brightest talents with Under-18s star Josh Neill joining Leicester. He qualified for Ireland though his grandfather.

SAVING AMERICA

Spots are quickly filling up for the 2027 World Cup being held in Australia.

With the tournament expanded from 20 to 24 teams, and the draw qualifying matches are coming thick and fast.

Three more countries booked their place last weekend — Canada, Tonga and Uruguay — taking the total of qualified teams to 21.

Another spot will be filled this weekend when the United States play Tonga, with the winner going straight through.

With the US hosting the 2027 World Cup, global officials are desperate for the Eagles to qualify for Australia.

If the US lose to Samoa, they will face Chile in a two-legged playoff for a spot.

If they lose that, the Americans will go into a four team repechage for the last spot, along with Belgium, Namibia and either Brazil or Paraguay.