Why Zach Fittler is loving rugby and his big goals in the sport with NSW Waratahs

After a code switch that surprised many, teen powerhouse Zach Fittler has spoken about his love of rugby, opening up on the rollercoaster that is playing with such a famous rugby league surname.

Strapping teenager Zach Fittler has spoken about his love of rugby union after a code switch that surprised many late last year and the “rollercoaster” of playing sport with such a famous rugby league surname.

A powerful and fit looking Fittler ran out for the NSW Waratahs under 20 side against NSW Pasifica on the weekend with the young centre scoring a try in the Tahs massive 109-5 victory over the Pasifica outfit.

A graduate from The Scots College in 2024 and son of Brad Fittler, the young gun said he is finding his feet - and own identity - in rugby and loving the experience of being involved with the Waratahs pathway after signing a development contract with the club for two years.

Many believed Fittler, already turning heads with his power, aggression and passion, would follow his famous father into rugby league after representing the Sydney Roosters in SG Ball last year but also playing schoolboy and rep rugby union in competitions including the Super Rugby U16s and the Australian schools rugby championships.

Zach Fittler on the burst for the NSW Waratahs U20s. Picture: Hugo Carr/NSW Waratahs

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Fittler said he is enjoying playing with his teammates in the under 20s - many of whom he travelled with on his first Australian tour as part of the national under 18s rugby development team which played multiple games in New Zealand in November and came home undefeated.

“The goal is to get into the (Waratahs) under 20s team, that’s the big focus,’’ said Fittler who wants to be part of a new tournament for under 20s to be played between the Waratahs, ACT Brumbies, Queensland Reds and Western Force in March.

“We (the team) are so tight. Some of these boys I have been playing with for a while and we have just become even closer, some I've been playing with them for years, so we feel really connected.’’

Zach Fittler with the Australia U18s playing New Zealand Schools last year. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty

The 18-year-old said having the Fittler name has been a rollercoaster at times over the years but he has found rugby a good fit and is now playing for himself.

“I feel like I have grown in many ways,’’ Fittler said.

“l feel like I can focus on the game and the way I want to play.

“I feel I’ve gotten bigger and better fitness and I am playing my own game, not having people telling me all the time to play another way. That’s been a big rollercoaster over the years.’’

Fittler said he wants to be seen as a “good decision maker and team player’’ and to be the “best No. 12 I can’’.

Brad Fittler playing back in 2000.

Zach Fittler in an SG Ball Cup trial last year.

The teens also said his father, who he shares more than a passing resemblance with, has helped him with valuable lessons he is now applying to his game involving mental strength and endurance.

Waratahs under 20s coach Shannon Fraser said Fittler did a good job in his outing on Saturday against Pasifica.

“Zach played well, got two little stints and came on in the last. He is growing as a player,’’ said Fraser, who also coached Fittler on the Australian U18s tour last year.

“He always has two shoulders on him.

“He showed a little more to his game that we have to unlock.’’

Fittler is part of a wave of talent currently progressing through the Waratahs ranks which includes Narrabri brothers Joey and Jonty Fowler, Australian U20s player and scrumhalf Hwi Sharples, Waratahs U20s captain Eamon Doyle, No. 8 Toby Brial, the son of former Wallaby Michael, super fast winger Tom Hartman, prop Edwin Langi and flankers Luca Cleverley and Austin Durbidge.

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Originally published as Why Zach Fittler is loving rugby and his big goals in the sport with NSW Waratahs