The NSW Waratahs have been dealt another body blow with Angus Bell opting to take up a sabbatical option in his contract next year.
Bell will play his club rugby in Ireland for Ulster in 2026 and will miss the entire Super Rugby Pacific season.
The star prop will still be available for all Wallabies Tests but Waratahs coach Dan McKellar could be forgiven for cursing in the privacy of his Daceyville office.
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Angus Bell of the Waratahs runs with the ball. Getty
NSW have improved in McKellar’s first season in charge after collecting the wooden spoon last season.
But they have still massively underwhelmed considering their star-studded roster and sit eighth with a 5-7 record.
Bell’s absence will make it difficult to compete with Australia’s pacesetting ACT Brumbies and Queensland Reds next year.
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Andrew Kellaway of the Waratahs looks dejected after defeat. Getty
A Waratahs spokesperson told Wide World of Sports the team was trying to focus on Saturday’s clash with the Western Force in Perth but an announcement on Bell’s future is expected later this week.
Bell will play for the Waratahs in 2027 ahead of the home Rugby World Cup.
It is a similar arrangement to that of Brumbies star Len Ikitau, who will play for the Exeter Chiefs next year before returning home.
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Meanwhile, NSW playmaker Tane Edmed said McKellar was right to call out the playing group following Friday’s limp 48-33 loss to the Crusaders, which ended any realistic finals ambitions.
“It is not from lack of trying. Everyone here has shown in parts that fight and what we want to see,” Edmed said.
“But Dan holds a high standard, and if you’re not meeting it, there will be consequences. That’s the reality of professional football.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar watches on. Getty
“You can train as hard as you want, but on Saturday night or Friday night you’re not putting in the performances that’s the reality.
“As a human being, no one wants to be told that they are doing something not so well. But it’s how you take that criticism. As a football player, you can’t take anything personally.
“You have to realise that it’s for the betterment of the team. And in the end, it’s for the betterment of yourself. It can be hard at times, but it’s what we need.”
