Scott Taat, 19, will play in Japan with Indigenous side on rugby tour

A young rugby gun from Warwick has been called up for an exciting opportunity to play internationally.

A young Warwick rugby player has received the ultimate call up to represent a team on an upcoming tour.

Scott Taat, 19, has achieved a dream for any athlete, being called to play in the Indigenous Australian Invitational Rugby Team (IAIR), in an exciting tour of Japan.

The Indigenous rugby side will compete in Japan in 2026, following successful tours in the United States and Canada.

Scott Taat for Warwick Water Rats against Toowoomba Bears in Downs Rugby B-grade Bill Flamsteed Cup round 13 rugby union at Toowoomba Sports Ground, Saturday, July 15, 2023. (Photo: Kevin Farmer)

The young gun made his mark playing at Scots PGC at Warwick before stepping up to play with the Water Rats.

The now 19-year-old was named in 2022 as one to watch in this publication’s 20 under 20 talented upcoming athletes.

Hailing originally from the Northern Territory, Taat began playing rugby at Scots after transitioning from AFL.

Taat is an extremely versatile defensive stalwart, being able to cover the back row and most positions in the backline when needed. 

The IAIR is aimed at keeping young Indigenous men playing rugby, using the sport for mentorship, and to “develop future leaders on and off the field.”

Taat’s local club the Water Rats congratulated him, saying the opportunity was “very exciting”.

Scott Taat- playing then for Scots PGC- against Matthew Flinders' 1st XV in 2022 (Photo: File)

Playing as a centre in his schoolboy days, Taat was labelled as an “absolute gun” by former coach Cahal Davis.

“He’s been very good this season, when he moved to the school he transitioned to rugby and has improved every year. He’s a very good tackler and great ball runner,” Davis said in 2022.

Taat and the IAIR will embark on their Japan tour in 2026.