The Waratahs missed the finals. Now an ex-Wallaby of theirs is off to the Brumbies
Creighton came to the Waratahs this season after being recruited from the Reds, and Bowen, 21, has been at the Waratahs for three years. He debuted in 2023 and has 12 caps for the Waratahs, but only two as a starter.
The son of former Wallaby Scott Bowen is the standout No.10 at Shute Shield level and along with Teddy Wilson, steered Easts to a drought-breaking premiership last year.
Promising Junior Wallabies No.10 Joey Fowler, who is in the Waratahs academy, played in tour matches and trials for NSW in the off-season.
The Tahs have active been in the market searching for additional options at five-eighth, according to informed sources, and discussions were held with the Tahs' 2014 premiership playmaker Bernard Foley, and with Will Harrison, who are both playing in Japan.
Foley spoke with Joe Schmidt about the prospect of a move home, and the Wallabies coach said on the Kick Offs and Kick Ons podcast last week that he'd had contact with the former Test No.10.
But after Foley steered Kubota to a League One final last week, the veteran No.10 chose to extend his contract with the Japanese club for another year.
Harrison is also unlikely to return to the Tahs after initially giving it some consideration, according to informed sources.
The loss of Edmed will bring a spotlight on the Waratahs' high turnover of young five-eighths. Edmed came through the Waratahs' junior system with Harrison and Ben Donaldson, and the trio were seen as central to the future. But after Donaldson was let go to the Western Force, NSW focused on Harrison and Edmed in 2023. All three have now departed.
As with previous seasons, Edmed found himself in and out of the Waratahs' starting side this year.
On the back of a successful stint with North Harbour in the NPC last year, Edmed won a call-up to the Wallabies' squad for their spring tour, and he made a Test debut off the bench in the final Test against Ireland, albeit lasting only three minutes due to a head knock.
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Edmed started the year in the NSW No.10 jersey, and there was expectation he would push Lolesio, Donaldson and Tom Lynagh for a Wallabies role against the Lions. But Edmed was benched behind Creighton after three rounds, and he even found himself out of the Tahs' squad altogether mid-season, playing club rugby for Eastwood.
Edmed eventually won a recall but was benched again in the final round behind Bowen.
With Lolesio departing to play for Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi, the Brumbies now have Edmed and Declan Meredith on board for next season, and possibly Jack Debreczeni as well. The veteran is weighing up playing on or retiring and moving into coaching.
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Selection shock: Gordon fancied for Wallabies captaincy
Jake Gordon has emerged as the frontrunner to lead the Wallabies against the touring British and Irish Lions in what looms as the biggest captaincy selection shock since the 2011 Rugby World Cup. AAP understands that, unless Joe Schmidt has a late rethink, Gordon will be unveiled as Australia's 91st Test captain for the showpiece three-match series starting in Brisbane on July 19. Coach Schmidt plans to name a squad of up to 40 players next Monday, or the following week if the ACT Brumbies - Australia's last team standing - win their Super Rugby Pacific semi-final on Saturday against the Chiefs in Hamilton. Either way, Gordon is favoured to take over from incumbent skipper Harry Wilson in one of sport's great comeback tales. Snubbed by Eddie Jones for Australia's disastrous 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, Gordon was all set to head to the English Premiership this year before Schmidt convinced the classy scrum-half to stay in Sydney. Despite his NSW side failing to make the Super finals for a second straight season, and claiming the wooden spoon last year, Gordon has proven an inspirational captain for the Waratahs since 2021. Now it seems the 31-year-old also ticks all the boxes for Schmidt. Gordon started all nine Tests last year for Wallabies, is a great communicator and leads sides with both his words and actions. Few could fault Wilson's performances for the Wallabies but the Reds star is competing with a plethora of talent for a back-row starting berth, making Gordon a safer option as captain. Like Gordon, Wilson was also overlooked by Jones for the 2023 World Cup before taking over from Reds teammate Liam Wright and captaining his country eight times last year. While Wilson remains firmly in contention for a starting role, Schmidt also has the likes of Fraser McReight, dual John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini, Carlo Tizzano, Seru Uru, Langi Gleeson, Nick Champion de Crespigny and others trying to squeeze into the Wallabies back has also signalled his intention to bring Pete Samu back into the fold from France in an indication he may opt for a bulkier back row against the might of the Lions. If, as expected, Gordon gets the nod, his elevation will rank alongside James Horwill's surprise promotion to the Wallabies captaincy for the World Cup in New Zealand 14 years ago. Back then, journalists and fans were left gobsmacked when Horwill was revealed as the new captain, replacing Rocky Elsom, only when Robbie Deans' Wallabies squad was paraded individually out of a plane at the Qantas hangar in Sydney. Only in April, Gordon was linked to a move to Exeter in the English Premiership before revealing Schmidt's influence in reviving his international career had left him with "unfinished business" in Australia ahead of the Lions series and 2027 home World Cup. "I really enjoyed my time with the Wallabies last year and really enjoyed my time with Joe. He was really good for my development at Test level and, yeah, I see the opportunity we have here too," Gordon said after re-signing with RA and the Waratahs for two more years. The progression that we've had has been really good and I'm not sure if there'd be regret (if I left but) there's a possibility of that. "I want to keep competing - not that I wouldn't going over there - but I see a really exciting opportunity here in the next two years. "I want to be a part of it, definitely." Jake Gordon has emerged as the frontrunner to lead the Wallabies against the touring British and Irish Lions in what looms as the biggest captaincy selection shock since the 2011 Rugby World Cup. AAP understands that, unless Joe Schmidt has a late rethink, Gordon will be unveiled as Australia's 91st Test captain for the showpiece three-match series starting in Brisbane on July 19. Coach Schmidt plans to name a squad of up to 40 players next Monday, or the following week if the ACT Brumbies - Australia's last team standing - win their Super Rugby Pacific semi-final on Saturday against the Chiefs in Hamilton. Either way, Gordon is favoured to take over from incumbent skipper Harry Wilson in one of sport's great comeback tales. Snubbed by Eddie Jones for Australia's disastrous 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, Gordon was all set to head to the English Premiership this year before Schmidt convinced the classy scrum-half to stay in Sydney. Despite his NSW side failing to make the Super finals for a second straight season, and claiming the wooden spoon last year, Gordon has proven an inspirational captain for the Waratahs since 2021. Now it seems the 31-year-old also ticks all the boxes for Schmidt. Gordon started all nine Tests last year for Wallabies, is a great communicator and leads sides with both his words and actions. Few could fault Wilson's performances for the Wallabies but the Reds star is competing with a plethora of talent for a back-row starting berth, making Gordon a safer option as captain. Like Gordon, Wilson was also overlooked by Jones for the 2023 World Cup before taking over from Reds teammate Liam Wright and captaining his country eight times last year. While Wilson remains firmly in contention for a starting role, Schmidt also has the likes of Fraser McReight, dual John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini, Carlo Tizzano, Seru Uru, Langi Gleeson, Nick Champion de Crespigny and others trying to squeeze into the Wallabies back has also signalled his intention to bring Pete Samu back into the fold from France in an indication he may opt for a bulkier back row against the might of the Lions. If, as expected, Gordon gets the nod, his elevation will rank alongside James Horwill's surprise promotion to the Wallabies captaincy for the World Cup in New Zealand 14 years ago. Back then, journalists and fans were left gobsmacked when Horwill was revealed as the new captain, replacing Rocky Elsom, only when Robbie Deans' Wallabies squad was paraded individually out of a plane at the Qantas hangar in Sydney. Only in April, Gordon was linked to a move to Exeter in the English Premiership before revealing Schmidt's influence in reviving his international career had left him with "unfinished business" in Australia ahead of the Lions series and 2027 home World Cup. "I really enjoyed my time with the Wallabies last year and really enjoyed my time with Joe. He was really good for my development at Test level and, yeah, I see the opportunity we have here too," Gordon said after re-signing with RA and the Waratahs for two more years. The progression that we've had has been really good and I'm not sure if there'd be regret (if I left but) there's a possibility of that. "I want to keep competing - not that I wouldn't going over there - but I see a really exciting opportunity here in the next two years. "I want to be a part of it, definitely." Jake Gordon has emerged as the frontrunner to lead the Wallabies against the touring British and Irish Lions in what looms as the biggest captaincy selection shock since the 2011 Rugby World Cup. AAP understands that, unless Joe Schmidt has a late rethink, Gordon will be unveiled as Australia's 91st Test captain for the showpiece three-match series starting in Brisbane on July 19. Coach Schmidt plans to name a squad of up to 40 players next Monday, or the following week if the ACT Brumbies - Australia's last team standing - win their Super Rugby Pacific semi-final on Saturday against the Chiefs in Hamilton. Either way, Gordon is favoured to take over from incumbent skipper Harry Wilson in one of sport's great comeback tales. Snubbed by Eddie Jones for Australia's disastrous 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, Gordon was all set to head to the English Premiership this year before Schmidt convinced the classy scrum-half to stay in Sydney. Despite his NSW side failing to make the Super finals for a second straight season, and claiming the wooden spoon last year, Gordon has proven an inspirational captain for the Waratahs since 2021. Now it seems the 31-year-old also ticks all the boxes for Schmidt. Gordon started all nine Tests last year for Wallabies, is a great communicator and leads sides with both his words and actions. Few could fault Wilson's performances for the Wallabies but the Reds star is competing with a plethora of talent for a back-row starting berth, making Gordon a safer option as captain. Like Gordon, Wilson was also overlooked by Jones for the 2023 World Cup before taking over from Reds teammate Liam Wright and captaining his country eight times last year. While Wilson remains firmly in contention for a starting role, Schmidt also has the likes of Fraser McReight, dual John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini, Carlo Tizzano, Seru Uru, Langi Gleeson, Nick Champion de Crespigny and others trying to squeeze into the Wallabies back has also signalled his intention to bring Pete Samu back into the fold from France in an indication he may opt for a bulkier back row against the might of the Lions. If, as expected, Gordon gets the nod, his elevation will rank alongside James Horwill's surprise promotion to the Wallabies captaincy for the World Cup in New Zealand 14 years ago. Back then, journalists and fans were left gobsmacked when Horwill was revealed as the new captain, replacing Rocky Elsom, only when Robbie Deans' Wallabies squad was paraded individually out of a plane at the Qantas hangar in Sydney. Only in April, Gordon was linked to a move to Exeter in the English Premiership before revealing Schmidt's influence in reviving his international career had left him with "unfinished business" in Australia ahead of the Lions series and 2027 home World Cup. "I really enjoyed my time with the Wallabies last year and really enjoyed my time with Joe. He was really good for my development at Test level and, yeah, I see the opportunity we have here too," Gordon said after re-signing with RA and the Waratahs for two more years. The progression that we've had has been really good and I'm not sure if there'd be regret (if I left but) there's a possibility of that. "I want to keep competing - not that I wouldn't going over there - but I see a really exciting opportunity here in the next two years. "I want to be a part of it, definitely."
Perth Now
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Selection shock: Gordon fancied for Wallabies captaincy
Jake Gordon has emerged as the frontrunner to lead the Wallabies against the touring British and Irish Lions in what looms as the biggest captaincy selection shock since the 2011 Rugby World Cup. AAP understands that, unless Joe Schmidt has a late rethink, Gordon will be unveiled as Australia's 91st Test captain for the showpiece three-match series starting in Brisbane on July 19. Coach Schmidt plans to name a squad of up to 40 players next Monday, or the following week if the ACT Brumbies - Australia's last team standing - win their Super Rugby Pacific semi-final on Saturday against the Chiefs in Hamilton. Either way, Gordon is favoured to take over from incumbent skipper Harry Wilson in one of sport's great comeback tales. Snubbed by Eddie Jones for Australia's disastrous 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, Gordon was all set to head to the English Premiership this year before Schmidt convinced the classy scrum-half to stay in Sydney. Despite his NSW side failing to make the Super finals for a second straight season, and claiming the wooden spoon last year, Gordon has proven an inspirational captain for the Waratahs since 2021. Now it seems the 31-year-old also ticks all the boxes for Schmidt. Gordon started all nine Tests last year for Wallabies, is a great communicator and leads sides with both his words and actions. Few could fault Wilson's performances for the Wallabies but the Reds star is competing with a plethora of talent for a back-row starting berth, making Gordon a safer option as captain. Like Gordon, Wilson was also overlooked by Jones for the 2023 World Cup before taking over from Reds teammate Liam Wright and captaining his country eight times last year. While Wilson remains firmly in contention for a starting role, Schmidt also has the likes of Fraser McReight, dual John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini, Carlo Tizzano, Seru Uru, Langi Gleeson, Nick Champion de Crespigny and others trying to squeeze into the Wallabies back has also signalled his intention to bring Pete Samu back into the fold from France in an indication he may opt for a bulkier back row against the might of the Lions. If, as expected, Gordon gets the nod, his elevation will rank alongside James Horwill's surprise promotion to the Wallabies captaincy for the World Cup in New Zealand 14 years ago. Back then, journalists and fans were left gobsmacked when Horwill was revealed as the new captain, replacing Rocky Elsom, only when Robbie Deans' Wallabies squad was paraded individually out of a plane at the Qantas hangar in Sydney. Only in April, Gordon was linked to a move to Exeter in the English Premiership before revealing Schmidt's influence in reviving his international career had left him with "unfinished business" in Australia ahead of the Lions series and 2027 home World Cup. "I really enjoyed my time with the Wallabies last year and really enjoyed my time with Joe. He was really good for my development at Test level and, yeah, I see the opportunity we have here too," Gordon said after re-signing with RA and the Waratahs for two more years. The progression that we've had has been really good and I'm not sure if there'd be regret (if I left but) there's a possibility of that. "I want to keep competing - not that I wouldn't going over there - but I see a really exciting opportunity here in the next two years. "I want to be a part of it, definitely."
West Australian
3 hours ago
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Selection shock: Gordon fancied for Wallabies captaincy
Jake Gordon has emerged as the frontrunner to lead the Wallabies against the touring British and Irish Lions in what looms as the biggest captaincy selection shock since the 2011 Rugby World Cup. AAP understands that, unless Joe Schmidt has a late rethink, Gordon will be unveiled as Australia's 91st Test captain for the showpiece three-match series starting in Brisbane on July 19. Coach Schmidt plans to name a squad of up to 40 players next Monday, or the following week if the ACT Brumbies - Australia's last team standing - win their Super Rugby Pacific semi-final on Saturday against the Chiefs in Hamilton. Either way, Gordon is favoured to take over from incumbent skipper Harry Wilson in one of sport's great comeback tales. Snubbed by Eddie Jones for Australia's disastrous 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, Gordon was all set to head to the English Premiership this year before Schmidt convinced the classy scrum-half to stay in Sydney. Despite his NSW side failing to make the Super finals for a second straight season, and claiming the wooden spoon last year, Gordon has proven an inspirational captain for the Waratahs since 2021. Now it seems the 31-year-old also ticks all the boxes for Schmidt. Gordon started all nine Tests last year for Wallabies, is a great communicator and leads sides with both his words and actions. Few could fault Wilson's performances for the Wallabies but the Reds star is competing with a plethora of talent for a back-row starting berth, making Gordon a safer option as captain. Like Gordon, Wilson was also overlooked by Jones for the 2023 World Cup before taking over from Reds teammate Liam Wright and captaining his country eight times last year. While Wilson remains firmly in contention for a starting role, Schmidt also has the likes of Fraser McReight, dual John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini, Carlo Tizzano, Seru Uru, Langi Gleeson, Nick Champion de Crespigny and others trying to squeeze into the Wallabies back has also signalled his intention to bring Pete Samu back into the fold from France in an indication he may opt for a bulkier back row against the might of the Lions. If, as expected, Gordon gets the nod, his elevation will rank alongside James Horwill's surprise promotion to the Wallabies captaincy for the World Cup in New Zealand 14 years ago. Back then, journalists and fans were left gobsmacked when Horwill was revealed as the new captain, replacing Rocky Elsom, only when Robbie Deans' Wallabies squad was paraded individually out of a plane at the Qantas hangar in Sydney. Only in April, Gordon was linked to a move to Exeter in the English Premiership before revealing Schmidt's influence in reviving his international career had left him with "unfinished business" in Australia ahead of the Lions series and 2027 home World Cup. "I really enjoyed my time with the Wallabies last year and really enjoyed my time with Joe. He was really good for my development at Test level and, yeah, I see the opportunity we have here too," Gordon said after re-signing with RA and the Waratahs for two more years. The progression that we've had has been really good and I'm not sure if there'd be regret (if I left but) there's a possibility of that. "I want to keep competing - not that I wouldn't going over there - but I see a really exciting opportunity here in the next two years. "I want to be a part of it, definitely."
