Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs are pleased to announce that Wallabies prop Isaac Kailea has signed a new contract for 2025.
The 24-year-old has had a breakout season in 2024, with his strong Super Rugby Pacific form rewarded with selection in his first Wallabies squad in July, followed by an international debut in the first Test against Wales in Sydney.
Born and raised in Melbourne, the loosehead prop will further strengthen the Waratahs quality and depth in the front row, which also features his national teammates Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou.
Of Tongan and Chilean descent, Kailea played back row as a junior before making the shift to the front row in 2018.
He rose through the Victorian junior system before debuting for the Melbourne Rebels as 20-year-old in 2021 and enjoyed his best season of Super Rugby Pacific this year where he was among the club's top performers in his 13 appearances.
Kailea has featured in every Wallabies squad so far in 2024, playing in four of the five Tests to date.
He will travel with the group to Argentina ahead of their back-to-back Tests against Los Pumas in La Plata and Santa Fe as part of the Rugby Championship.
Wallaby number 975 and NSW Waratahs recruit Isaac Kailea said: "I'm very happy to be joining the Waratahs and excited about the opportunity to play for such a proud club and improve my game under Dan McKellar and the coaching staff."
"I'm encouraged by the direction the Waratahs are moving in and am looking forward to working hard with some pinnacle events on the horizon for Rugby in Australia."
Waratahs Director of Performance, Simon Raiwalui said: "We're very happy to have Isaac at the Waratahs in 2025."
"Isaac is a good young player and one of the most promising props in the country.
"He's tough, durable and a dynamic scrummager, and importantly, his best years are ahead of him.
"I'm excited to see how he gels with the likes of Angus Bell, David Porecki and Taniela Tupou and the positive impact he will make next year."
Rugby Australia Director of High-Performance Peter Horne said: "It's a real positive to have Isaac commit his immediate future to Australian Rugby."
"He's a good young player who has made strong progress this year and we're looking forward to seeing him continue to work hard at the Waratahs."
Position: Prop
Height: 192cm
Weight: 125kg
Born: 13 July, 2000
Place of birth: Melbourne, Australia
Test debut: 2024 v Wales in Sydney
Wallaby number: 975
Test caps: 4
Super Rugby debut: 2021 v Queensland Reds in Brisbane (playing for the Melbourne Rebels)
Super Rugby caps: 22 (Melbourne Rebels)
Junior Club: Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
Wallabies 25 defeated Wales 16, Saturday July 6 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies 36 defeated Wales 28 on Saturday July 13 at AAMI Park, Melbourne
Wallabies 40 defeated Georgia 29 on Saturday July 20 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies 7 defeated by South Africa 33 on Saturday August 10 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies 12 defeated by South Africa 30 on Saturday August 17 at Optus Stadium, Perth
Wallabies v Argentina, 8:00 am AEST, Sunday September 1 at Estadio Uno, La Plata
Wallabies v Argentina, 5:00 am AEST, Sunday September 8 at Estadio Colon, Santa Fe
Wallabies v New Zealand, 3:45pm AEST, Saturday September 21 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v New Zealand, 5:05pm AEST, Saturday September 28 at Sky Stadium, Wellington
Wallabies v England, 2:10am AEDT, Sunday November 10, Twickenham, London
Wallabies v Wales, 3:10am AEDT, Monday November 18, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Wallabies v Scotland, 12:40am AEDT, Monday November 25, Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Wallabies v Ireland, 2:10am AEDT, Sunday December 1, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Tickets to the Wallabies 2024 Home Tests are available to purchase here.
