Kellaway Returns to Super Rugby Spotlight with Waratahs
Andrew Kellaway, a seasoned veteran with 49 caps for the Wallabies, is back in the NSW Waratahs starting lineup for their upcoming Super Rugby Pacific clash against the ACT Brumbies. This marks only his second appearance for the Waratahs this year, a reflection of a challenging start to the 2026 season. Injuries to key players James Hendren and Harry Potter have created an opening for the 30-year-old to slot in at right wing for the match at GIO Stadium in Canberra.
Just earlier this month, Kellaway experienced a different kind of trip to the nation’s capital. He travelled by bus as part of the Waratahs ‘A’ squad for a lower-profile encounter against their Brumbies counterparts at the University of Canberra. Reflecting on the experience, Kellaway noted the stark contrast to the high-stakes games he’s been accustomed to.
“It was certainly different to the game I played before that (against the Hurricanes at Allianz Stadium) or the game before that in Dublin in front of 58,000 people (against Ireland in November),” Kellaway told reporters. “It’s been a tough couple of months, so it’s nice to be back in the mix. I could sit there and mope and say how s— it is to sit on the bus for four hours, play a game and get back on the bus, but nobody wins out of that and especially not me. It’s just a decision. You’ve got to make the decision at some point to get on with it.”
A Shift in Perspective and a Focus on Training
The experience with the Waratahs ‘A’ side saw Kellaway playing alongside a youthful NSW backline, which included teenage outside centre Zach Fittler, son of rugby league icon Brad Fittler. Kellaway found value in this different environment.
“It’s a different approach, a different perspective. It actually was really fun, some guys in that group are going to be exceptional players so to be able to have a chance to help them through has been really good,” he explained. “I’m not the first bloke and won’t be the last to be on the other side of the selection decision, so you’ve got to remember that.”
Kellaway emphasised his commitment to his personal preparation during this period. “I’ve been extremely happy with the way I’ve been training for the last two months, so that’s all you can do in those situations. I’m glad that I’ve put my head down and got on with it.”
Embracing a New Role and Looking Ahead
Last year, Kellaway featured in three of Australia’s five Spring Tour Tests at fullback under the guidance of Joe Schmidt. However, with the emergence of talents like Narrabri product Sid Harvey, who is showing significant promise, Kellaway is content to wear the No. 14 jersey against the Brumbies, a team that is once again leading the charge among Australian Super Rugby franchises.
He expressed no ill feelings towards Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar. “Dan’s a great coach – he’s had to drop people and select people in the past and we both know that’s part of it. At the end of the day, there’s no bad blood there,” Kellaway stated. “My training form’s been as good as it’s been throughout my career so that’s all I can do and I’m at peace with that. I certainly feel extremely content and extremely satisfied with what I’ve put out, and at the end of the day, I don’t make the decision.”
Contractual Considerations and Future Opportunities
Kellaway’s current contract with the Waratahs is set to expire at the end of the season. He had previously shown interest in a R360 deal, a proposed new competition that ultimately did not materialise. This situation now places an emphasis on him to produce strong performances to showcase his abilities to potential employers.
The landscape for Wallabies outside backs is becoming increasingly competitive. The recent signings of Zac Lomax and James Ramm at the Western Force, ahead of the home Rugby World Cup next season, further highlight the depth of talent in the Australian game.
For Kellaway, the immediate focus is on impressing McKellar and helping the Waratahs break their current three-game losing streak. The NSW-based team began their 2026 campaign with victories against the Queensland Reds and Fijian Drua, but have since suffered defeats at the hands of the Hurricanes, Reds, and Blues.
On Friday night, Kellaway will be tasked with marking his Wallabies teammate, Corey Toole, who is fresh off a match-winning performance against the Chiefs.
“I haven’t had a great deal of opportunities this year and I’d like to get back on the field,” Kellaway said. “Probably at this point, really, it’s about proving to myself and some people in the building here that I’ve still got what it takes to be at this level. Once I’ve had a chance to do that, then we’ll see.”
Match Details and Team Lineups
ACT Brumbies vs. NSW Waratahs
- Date: Friday, March 27
- Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
- Kick-off: 7:35 PM AEDT
ACT Brumbies (1-15):
James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Darcy Breen, Lachie Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead
Replacements:
Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Toby Macpherson, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Hudson Creighton
NSW Waratahs (1-15):
Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Clem Halaholo, Jamie Adamson, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Jack Debreczeni, Max Jorgensen, Lawson Creighton, Joey Walton, Andrew Kellaway, Sid Harvey
Replacements:
Folau Fainga’a, Jack Barrett, Siosifa Amone, Angus Blyth, Charlie Gamble, Angus Scott-Young, Teddy Wilson, Triston Reilly
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: George Myers, Matt Kellahan
TMO: Graham Cooper
