Waratahs sign Sevens star Wilkin for Super Rugby

Sydney Super Rugby franchise the Waratahs have signed Australian Men’s Sevens player Bradley Wilkin who will play in the back-row for the New South Wales team.

Wilkin is currently recovering from a shoulder reconstruction and will join the Waratahs at the Volvo Centre in Moore Park from early October.

NSW Waratahs Head Coach Daryl Gibson said he was delighted to have Wilkin on board for the 2016 season and beyond, and was looking forward to see him develop in the Super Rugby training environment.

“Brad has a tremendous amount of natural talent, and we have seen some outstanding work from him at the schoolboy and Under-20 level,” Gibson
said.

“Unfortunately he’s had a tough run of injuries that have hampered his progress, but we’re confident he will thrive in the training environment we have here at the Waratahs.

“He’s a key long-term prospect for us, and he’ll have the opportunity to hone his skills and learn from one of the best flankers in the world in Michael Hooper.

“Along with Jack Dempsey, Brad will add some good depth to our squad in the back row – he’s got a big engine and I’m looking forward to seeing him play a big role in the side.”

NSW Waratahs Assistant Coach (Forwards) Cam Blades said his exceptional talent would add considerable value across the field for the side.

“Brad is very strong in open play, and has shown he is excellent across the ground and over the top of the ball,” Blades said.

“He’s got a great work ethic and character, and we expect him to fit in well with the rest of the squad.”

Raised in the central west town of Yeoval in New South Wales, Wilkin was educated at Brisbane’s Iona College. He played in the Australian Schoolboys in 2012 and 2013, and was a member of the 2012 Australian Schoolboys side which defeated NZ Schoolboys in an historic match in Auckland.

Recruited to the Australian Men’s Sevens program in January 2015, Wilkin played in two tournaments with the team – Hong Kong (March) and Tokyo (April). Playing for Queensland in the National Sevens Championships earlier this year, he was named Player of the Tournament despite his side losing to New South Wales in
the final.

Wilkin played several matches in the Australian side which contested the 2015 World Under 20 Championships before injuring his shoulder and ending his tournament.