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
“To play a season for Ulster in the United Rugby Championship will provide me with new experiences and skills which I look forward to bringing back to Australia with me,” Bell said.
“I would like to thank Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs for working with me in exploring this unique opportunity.”
NSW have improved in McKellar’s first season in charge after collecting the wooden spoon last season.
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Andrew Kellaway of the Waratahs looks dejected after defeat. Getty
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.
“We’re supportive of Angus’ decision to continue his personal growth,” McKellar said.
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“He’s a young man, who came straight out of school into the NSW Waratahs system, and we think the time at Ulster will be good for his development on and off the field, which ultimately will help the Waratahs long term.
“We’ve had a focus on creating depth within our squad this year and Angus’ time in Ireland will provide opportunities for others who are willing to continue to work hard to earn opportunities in the sky blue jersey.”
Bell will play for the Waratahs in 2027 ahead of the home Rugby World Cup.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar watches on. Getty
It is a similar arrangement to that of Brumbies star Len Ikitau, who will play for the Exeter Chiefs next year before returning home.
“We’ve looked at this opportunity with a long-term view and we think a season in Ulster will be a positive experience for Angus,” Rugby Australia’s director of high performance Peter Horne said.
“At just 24-years-old this will be a great opportunity for him to grow as a player and a person and we look forward to seeing him return home ahead of the next year’s international season.”
Angus Bell of the Waratahs runs the ball. Getty
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.
Tane Edmed of the Waratahs reacts after missing a penalty goal to win the match. 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.”
