Waratahs prop open to Wallabies selection despite Scotland interest
Waratahs prop Tom Lambert wants to extend his stay in Sydney but admits he still hasn’t quite closed the door on representing Scotland.
Reds prop Massimo De Lutiis re-signed with Rugby Australia last week after rejecting an offer from Ireland. For De Lutiis, the row has shed light on the inequalities in rugby’s transfer system and the flaws of the grandparenting rule, which allows nations to attract players they do not have in development.
Lambert is eligible to represent Scotland through his grandparents and is in the final year of his contract with the Waratahs, with a new deal currently unsigned.
Lambert continues to attract Scottish interest after starting his professional career at Glasgow Warriors and representing the country five times at Under-20 level in 2020 before returning to the Waratahs two years later.
Lambert has started all seven games for the Waratahs this season and has emerged as one of Australia’s standout loose players in Super Rugby.
Given Brumbies veteran James Slipper retired from Tests last year ahead of the 2027 World Cup, Lambert and Reds loose-head Aidan Ross are well placed to provide depth at the Wallabies’ position.
“I’d probably be lying if I said it was a thing [representing Scotland] It never crossed my mind because obviously opportunities come up and maybe the opportunities for me weren’t really coming here [at the Waratahs]” said Lambert.
“So I think it’s not something you can completely close the door on, but in terms of my mentality, the Tahs are where I want to be and that’s going to be my focus going forward. As far as the international stuff and the Wallabies go, I think that will take care of itself. If an opportunity arises there, I’d be delighted.”
Lambert represented Australia A in 2023 and 2024 and has shown strong form this season in the absence of Angus Bell, who is in the midst of a sabbatical season with Ulster in Belfast.
Lambert knows Bell’s return to Sydney will be challenging after adjusting to wearing the Waratahs No.1 jersey this season.
“I know it’s going to be a challenge to have Belly back next year, but it’s a role I’m ready to take on and I honestly think it’s only going to help me,” Lambert said.
“I think it will benefit me to be able to train every day with someone who is probably one of the best in the world in this position. Hopefully it will benefit him and the team as well.”
After four seasons as Bell’s assistant, Lambert remains determined not to pass up the chance before him – initially for the Waratahs and potentially for the Wallabies too.
“There was probably a feeling in the pre-season that I had to prove myself with Belly leaving,” Lambert said.
“I felt like I didn’t have a lot of time last year, and the way the competition was going, my time on the field was limited.
“When I get on the pitch I want to grab the opportunity with both hands. The same goes for all the men who have gotten more minutes this year… we won’t let this chance pass us by.”
Watch every match Super Rugby Pacific lively and special Stan Sports.
