Wallaby Angus Blyth switches maroon for sky blue with Waratahs move

Four-Test Wallaby Angus Blyth has swapped Queensland maroon for sky blue, signing with the NSW Waratahs ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The Queensland Reds farewelled departing locks Ryan Smith and Blyth on Sunday, with Smith off to Welsh club Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship. While the Reds didn’t reveal where Blyth was off to, the lock reaffirmed a desire to “represent my country more.”

Blyth represented the Wallabies four times under coach Joe Schmidt in 2024, before playing for the Australia XV against England A last November. With ambitions to return to the Test arena, Blyth has made the move south of the border to the Harbour City.

Ruan Nortje talks about those ‘fake’ line-outs

Ruan Nortje talks about those ‘fake’ line-outs

This move brings Blyth’s 75-game Queensland career to an end. Blyth featured in 14 matches for the Reds last season, which included starts against the Western Force, Highlanders, and the Fijian Drua.

“For me, this is a new chapter to look forward to in my rugby career,” Blyth said in a statement.

“Going to the NSW Waratahs is a major change of scenery with new coaches and new players and it will definitely push me out of my comfort zone.

“I have been at the Reds for the past eight seasons; so, getting into something different in Sydney is exciting.

“As a lock, it’s always about nailing your set piece detail, tackling low, hitting rucks and physicality.

“I want to keep improving, play more minutes at the NSW Waratahs and earn the respect of my new team.”

Blyth was selected to debut for the Wallabies 12 months ago against Wales in Sydney, with the second-rower coming off the bench to play 40 minutes. The New South Wales-born talent was also picked to face the Welsh the following week at Melbourne’s AAMI Park.

After starting in Tests against Georgia and South Africa, Blyth got an opportunity to pack down for the Australia XV at the Twickenham Stoop. British & Irish Lion Henry Pollock was named in the run-on side for the England A n that fixture.

With the Rugby World Cup on Australian soil a couple of years away, Blyth is eager to push for national selection once again. The lock has also faced the Lions twice during their tour, lining up for the Reds and AUNZ Invitational XV.

“There are big events happening in rugby in Australia,” Blyth explained.

“You want to stay in the country for those kinds of games with the Lions here and the World Cup coming up.

“You want to be pushing for the Wallabies. That’s the childhood dream and always has been.”

This is the latest marquee signing for the Tahs, who are continuing to rebuild towards a playoff return under coach Dan McKellar.

Wallabies winger Harry Potter has singed on from the Western Force, and Super Rugby Pacific champion Ioana Moananu has left the Crusaders in Christchurch for Sydney.

“Angus is a big body, a genuine lock,” McKellar added.

“He has real presence around set piece and to win any game or competition at Super Rugby level you need quality set piece. Angus will certainly add to that.”