Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs have today confirmed the re-signing of Wallabies stars Jake Gordon and Angus Bell.
Scrumhalf Jake Gordon, who has penned a two-year extension, made his Wallabies debut in 2018 in Padova against Italy and has since gone on to play five Tests in the gold jersey as well as amassing 57 caps for the NSW Waratahs.
Named captain at the start of the 2021 Harvey Norman Super Rugby season, the former Shute Shield player is a product of the representative pathway having played for the Sydney Stars and NSW Country Eagles in the NRC. Gordon made his Waratahs debut against the Lions in Johannesburg in 2017.
While Bell has signed a one-year deal having made his Wallabies debut in 2020 following a standout season in Super Rugby AU. He earned three Test caps, debuting for Australia during the side's narrow 24-22 victory over the All Blacks in Brisbane.
The son of former Wallabies prop and assistant coach Mark Bell, the 21-year-old prop stormed onto the international stage during the 2019 Junior Wallabies campaign, where he was a senior member of the squad.
Influential during the Junior Wallabies undefeated Oceania U20s campaign and their highly successful World U20s Championship campaign in Argentina, the NSW born prop is now one of the premier front-rowers in the country.
Rugby Australia's Director of Rugby, Scott Johnson said: "Angus is one of the best up and coming props in World Rugby. Most props don't come into their prime until a lot later in their career, however to have such young talent coming through our pathway speaks volumes to the behind-the-scenes work going on in talent ID and development.
"Similarly, Jake is a standout player and senior voice at the Waratahs this year has a lot more to contribute as we continue to build into 2023.
"Both Angus' and Jake's signings are one of a number which are currently being worked through, ensuring Australian Rugby continues to grow to full strength as we prepare for our upcoming fixtures against the French as well as keep one eye on the World Cup," Johnson said.
Wallabies prop Angus Bell said: "It was always a dream of mine to represent the Waratahs and I'm proud to continue to wear the Sky-Blue.
"We've got an exciting group of players here at the Waratahs and I'm looking forward to the years ahead," Bell said.
Wallabies scrumhalf Jake Gordon said: "I've spent my career here in New South Wales representing the Waratahs. Getting my first Waratahs cap was one of the proudest moments of my life and it's been an honour to play here and something I'll always be thankful for," Gordon said.
"This season has been challenging however I believe we are heading in the right direction. We've got a lot of exciting players here and I can't wait to see what we can achieve in 2021 and beyond," Gordon said.
The Wallabies are set to kick start their international campaign on Wednesday July 7, taking on France in a three-test series to be played in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
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Jake Gordon
Position: Scrumhalf
Date of Birth: 6/07/1993 (age: 27)
Place of Birth: Sydney, New South Wales
Height: 186cm
Weight: 85kg
Club: Sydney University
Wallaby Cap: #925
Wallabies debut: 2018 v Italy, Padova
Wallabies caps: 5
Angus Bell
Position: Prop
Date of Birth: 10/04/2000 (age: 21)
Place of Birth: Sydney, New South Wales
Height: 192cm
Weight: 118kg
Club: Sydney University
Wallaby Number: #940
Wallabies debut: 2020 v New Zealand, Brisbane
Wallabies caps: 3
