Waratahs lose a stalwart

TRANSFER NEWS: The Waratahs revealed that Tom Staniforth will depart the franchise, as he takes up an opportunity overseas in 2021.

The second row forward was signed until the end of the 2022 Super Rugby season, but has activated a clause in his contract to purse an offer elsewhere.

Staniforth joined the New South Wales in 2018 on a three-year deal, and the 26-year-old has since earnt 40 caps for the Waratahs, to go along with his 22 appearances for the Brumbies.

NSWRU General Manager of Rugby, Tim Rapp said that Staniforth departs with the franchise's best wishes.

"Stanners is a player and a person that we really value here at the Waratahs," Rapp said.

"He was tabled a great offer from an overseas franchise and we can't begrudge him for taking that.

"As much as we'd love him to stay, we appreciate that the earning window in a player's career is short-lived and he's doing what's best for himself and his family.

"He's been a fantastic presence around the franchise since he arrived and will be sorely missed, everyone at the Waratahs wishes him the very best in the next chapter of his career."

Staniforth said it was a difficult decision to leave, but he was looking forward to a new challenge.

"I'm sad to be leaving Sydney, it's been my home for the last three years and I've met some great people and made life-long friendships," Staniforth said.

"It's an exciting opportunity to live and play overseas and it's something my wife and I are really excited about.

"The Waratahs have given me a platform to develop as a player and grow as a person, I'll always be grateful for the opportunity they gave me back in 2018.

"There's a lot of exciting things happening around the group, which I'd love to be a part of but the time is right to take on something new.

"I'll be watching the boys progress closely and wish Rob and the group all the best in 2021."