Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs are thrilled to announce the re-signing of young outside back Max Jorgensen to a five-year extension through to the end of 2031.
The deal ensures Jorgensen, 21, will be available for the next two Rugby World Cups – including next year’s once-in-a-generation tournament in Australia – and includes the option of sabbatical seasons in 2028 and 2030.
A Balmain Wolves junior and St Joseph’s College graduate, Jorgensen made an immediate impression upon entering the senior ranks in 2023 when, aged just 18, he joined Matt Burke and Mark Nawaqanitawase as the only Waratahs to score a double on Super Rugby Pacific debut.
He was selected in the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad, where injury cruelled his chances of becoming the youngest ever Australian to debut at a the showpiece tournament.
However, he didn’t have to wait long to earn his first gold jersey, Jorgensen becoming Wallaby No. 984 when he made his Test debut against the Springboks in Perth in 2024 and has gone on to score seven tries in 20 Test appearances.
Among his many highlights, Jorgensen crossed for a memorable match-winner against England at Twickenham in 2024, scored in two of the three British & Irish Lions Tests in 2025 and registered tries in both matches in South Africa last year, including the historic come-from-behind win in Johannesburg.
One of only 12 father-son combinations to play the Wallabies – his father Peter represented Australia twice in 1992 – Jorgensen has quickly earned a reputation as a fast, elusive ball-runner and offers versatility across wing and fullback.
Jorgensen joins the Wallabies most-capped captain Michael Hooper and Lote Tuqiri, as the only three players to have signed five-year contracts with Australian Rugby.
Wallaby number 984 and NSW Waratahs outside back Max Jorgensen said: “It’s honestly a dream to come true to sign a long-term contract with the NSW Waratahs and Australian Rugby.
“I grew up in Sydney and played my junior rugby for the Balmain Wolves and went to school around the corner at Joey’s - it’s home for me and to be able to represent my state in the blue jersey means a lot to me and my family.
“Becoming a Wallaby has been the highlight of my career so far and I’m desperate to be part of the home Rugby World Cup next year and bring success to all our supporters.
“I know have a lot left in me as a player and as a person and want to thank those who have supported me so far and those in Australian Rugby who have showed faith in me. I’ll be working hard to repay that trust.”
Rugby Australia Director of High Performance Peter Horne said: “At just 21, Max has already developed into a strong Test player and we believe he is capable of further improvement in the years ahead.
“It is pleasing to see a player of his calibre committing to rugby for the long-term and we look forward to his ongoing positive contributions to the performance and culture of the teams he represents.
“With his future now secured, Max can look forward to big year ahead for the Waratahs and Wallabies as we build towards the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year.”
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar said: “It is great news for not only the Waratahs, but also Australian rugby.
“Max has developed quickly and at the age of just 21, is already a world-class winger.
“As with all players, there is still room for further growth, so we’re looking forward to him playing the best rugby of his career here in Sydney for the Waratahs.”
Position: Outside back
Height: 181cm
Weight: 88kg
Born: 02/09/2004
Place of birth: Sheffield, England
Test debut: 2024 v South Africa in Perth
Wallaby number: 987
Test caps: 20
Super Rugby Pacific Club: NSW Waratahs
Super Rugby debut: 2023 v ACT Brumbies in Sydney
Super Rugby caps: 25
First Rugby Club: Balmain Wolves
Wallabies vs Ireland, Saturday July 4 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies vs France, Saturday July 11 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies vs Italy, Saturday July 18 at TBC
Wallabies vs Japan, Saturday August 8 at TBC
Wallabies vs Japan, Saturday August 15 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Wallabies vs Argentina, Saturday August 29 at TBC
Wallabies vs Argentina, Saturday September 5 at TBC
Wallabies vs South Africa, Saturday 27 September at TBC
Wallabies vs New Zealand, Saturday 10 October at Eden Park, Auckland
Wallabies vs New Zealand, Saturday 17 October at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies vs England, Sunday November 8 at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London
Wallabies vs Scotland, Sunday November 15 at Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Wallabies vs Wales, Saturday November 21, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Nations Championships Finals Weekend, Weekend starting November 27
