NEWS: Max Jorgensen has committed his future to Australian rugby, signing a rare five-year extension that fends off advances from both the NRL’s Sydney Roosters and the breakaway R360 competition.
The long-term deal, confirmed by Rugby Australia on Friday, keeps the 21-year-old speedster in the Wallabies frame through at least two World Cups – the home tournament in 2027 and the 2031 edition in the United States.
It is only the third time Rugby Australia has handed out a contract of such length, following similar deals for Michael Hooper and Lote Tuqiri.
For Jorgensen, the agreement represents a significant vote of confidence after an interrupted rise. Previously earning around $525,000 per season, he saw his momentum halted when he suffered a broken leg at a Wallabies training session during the 2023 World Cup in France.
Now fully focused on the road ahead, the winger is determined to repay that faith.
“It’s honestly a dream come true to sign a long-term contract with the Waratahs and Australian rugby,” Jorgensen said.
The son of former Roosters winger Peter Jorgensen, Max has been on the NRL club’s radar for several years, turning down approaches in both 2022 and 2024 to remain in the 15-man code.
Rugby Australia’s director of high performance, Peter Horne, believes the best is still to come.
“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,” Horne said.
“It’s pleasing to see a player of his calibre committing long-term as we build towards the World Cup in Australia next year.”