Jed Holloway re-signs, Tolu Latu departs as NSW Waratahs contracts get finalised for 2020

The Waratahs have managed to keep hold of valuable forward Jed Holloway and the men in blue have a bit of bling to thank for the good news.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Jed Holloway of the Waratahs is tackled during the round 10 Super Rugby match between the Waratahs and the Melbourne Rebels at the Sydney Cricket Ground on April 20, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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Getting engaged to his American girlfriend has convinced Jed Holloway to spurn overseas offers and re-sign with the Waratahs for another two seasons.

Holloway, has had already notched 50 caps for NSW, decided Sydney will remain home until the end of 2021 as he plans his wedding to Cayley Miles at the end of next year.

The 26-year-old recently proposed to Miles under a waterfall on the South Coast and is delighted to have clarity around his future on and off the field.

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Jed Holloway is sticking with the Waratahs despite interest from overseas and around Australia. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“I did have offers from overseas, and from around Australia, it’s nice to have interest in you but I just wasn’t ready to leave Australia or NSW,” Holloway said.

“I’ve established a nice home here, the Mrs and I recently got engaged and if I was to move, I wouldn’t have been able to move straight away so that was a big part of it.

“I have a great balance here with my life away from rugby, which really helps my footy on the field, so I’m happy to be staying.”

A lock and backrow option, Holloway is an important retention amid a wave of departures from the Tahs, with hooker Tolu Latu the latest to sign overseas, joining French club Stade Francais for two years.

Backrower Michael Wells is weighing up offers from Queensland and the Brumbies, while Karmichael Hunt is also exploring overseas options.

Holloway, captain Michael Hooper and hooker Damien Fitzpatrick will be among the senior players of a young group in 2020, with NSW still yet to find a coach after Daryl Gibson surprisingly called it quits after last season.

(L-R) Michael Hooper and Damien Fitzpatrick will be key players for the Waratahs in 2020. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

“Not having a coach is exciting in a way, it’s the unknown,” Holloway said.

“I’ll be part of the senior group next season, and I remember when I first came into the Waratahs, how Dave Dennis helped me and a lot of the younger players, I’d like to do the same for the next generation coming through.

“I can talk to them about some of the mistakes I’ve made and hopefully play a part in developing them into good Waratahs.”

Originally published as Jed Holloway re-signs, Tolu Latu departs as NSW Waratahs contracts get finalised for 2020