Max Jorgensen Signs Landmark Five-Year Deal with Australian Rugby
The future of Australian rugby is secured as rising star Max Jorgensen commits to the NSW Waratahs and Wallabies through to the end of 2031.
The 21-year-old outside back has signed a five-year contract extension, ensuring his availability for the next two Rugby World Cups, including the highly anticipated 2025 tournament hosted in Australia. The deal also includes options for sabbatical seasons in 2028 and 2030, demonstrating a long-term investment in Jorgensen’s career and well-being.
Jorgensen’s rapid ascent in the sport has been remarkable. A product of the Balmain Wolves junior program and St Joseph’s College, he immediately made an impact upon entering the senior ranks in 2023. He joined an exclusive group – alongside Matt Burke and Mark Nawaqanitawase – as one of only three Waratahs to score a double on his Super Rugby Pacific debut.
Despite an injury preventing his anticipated debut as the youngest-ever Australian at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Jorgensen quickly proved his worth at the international level. He earned his first gold jersey as Wallaby No. 984 with a Test debut against the Springboks in Perth in 2024, and has since amassed an impressive record of seven tries in 20 Test appearances.
His highlights include a match-winning try against England at Twickenham in 2024, scoring in two of the three British & Irish Lions Tests in 2025, and contributing crucial tries in both matches against South Africa last year, including a pivotal role in the historic come-from-behind victory in Johannesburg. Jorgensen continues a proud family tradition, becoming one of only 12 father-son combinations to represent the Wallabies – his father, Peter, earned two caps for Australia in 1992.
Recognized for his speed, elusiveness, and versatility across both wing and fullback positions, Jorgensen joins an elite group of players – Wallabies captain Michael Hooper and Lote Tuqiri – to have signed five-year contracts with Australian Rugby.
“It’s honestly a dream to come true to sign a long-term contract with the NSW Waratahs and Australian Rugby,” Jorgensen said. “I grew up in Sydney and played my junior rugby for the Balmain Wolves and went to school around the corner at Joey’s – it’s home for me and to be able to represent my state in the blue jersey means a lot to me and my family. Becoming a Wallaby has been the highlight of my career so far and I’m desperate to be part of the home Rugby World Cup next year and bring success to all our supporters. I know have a lot left in me as a player and as a person and want to thank those who have supported me so far and those in Australian Rugby who have showed faith in me. I’ll be working hard to repay that trust.”
Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, emphasized Jorgensen’s potential, stating, “At just 21, Max has already developed into a strong Test player and we believe he is capable of further improvement in the years ahead. It is pleasing to see a player of his calibre committing to rugby for the long-term and we look forward to his ongoing positive contributions to the performance and culture of the teams he represents. With his future now secured, Max can look forward to a big year ahead for the Waratahs and Wallabies as we build towards the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year.”
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar echoed this sentiment, adding, “It is great news for not only the Waratahs, but also Australian rugby. Max has developed quickly and at the age of just 21, is already a world-class winger. As with all players, there is still room for further growth, so we’re looking forward to him playing the best rugby of his career here in Sydney for the Waratahs.”
Max Jorgensen – Player Profile
- Position: Outside back
- Height: 181cm
- Weight: 88kg
- Born: 02/09/2004
- Place of birth: Sheffield, England
- Test debut: 2024 v South Africa in Perth
- Wallaby number: 987
- Test caps: 20
- Super Rugby Pacific Club: NSW Waratahs
- Super Rugby debut: 2023 v ACT Brumbies in Sydney
- Super Rugby caps: 25
- First Rugby Club: Balmain Wolves
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