Max Jorgensen will have the option of playing overseas as part of two separate sabbaticals after his five-year extension with Rugby Australia was confirmed on Friday morning.
Jorgensen's new deal was leaked earlier this week to great relief across the Australian rugby community, given reports he had been sitting on the contract for some time while entertaining the advances of the Sydney Roosters.
But he has opted to stay in the code where he has already impressed on the international stage, having made his Test debut at only 20 in 2024. The option for two overseas sabbaticals will allow him to take up potentially lucrative stints in either Japanese or European 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," Jorgensen said via media release.
"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."
Given he was a part of Eddie Jones' failed 2023 World Cup, but was cruelled of a debut because of a broken leg, it was expected that Jorgensen would commit for at least next year's global showpiece on home soil.
But the Roosters, having twice already failed to convince Jorgensen to switch codes, were thought to be in the running from 2028. But the winger will instead continue to wear Wallaby gold, becoming just the third player after Lote Tuqiri and Michael Hooper to be granted a five-year deal byu Rugby Australia.
"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," RA director of high performance Peter Horne said.
"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."
Jorgensen's retention is another boon for RA, after the governing body last week announced the signing of Sydney Roosters star Angus Crichton on a two-year deal from 2027.
He was then a standout against the British and Irish Lions, scoring spectacular individual tries in the first and third Tests, and later added to that with long-range efforts against both South Africa and France in Johannesburg and Paris respectively.
Jorgensen will however be looking for an injury-free Super Rugby season with the Waratahs, having missed large chunks of each of his first three NSW campaigns.
He was not named in the Waratahs' squad for their trial match against the Reds on Saturday, with coach Dan McKellar instead opting to rest the majority of his senior Wallabies.
"It is great news for not only the Waratahs, but also Australian rugby," McKellar said.
"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."
Jorgensen's deal is another sensible piece of business from RA and follows contract moves that have allowed Len Ikitau and Angus Bell to enjoy overseas playing sabbaticals as part of their own extensions with the national body.
It is a move in line with RA boss Phil Waugh's "disciplined" approach to contracting, with Jorgensen's retention far more of a priority than a play for wayward NRL star Zac Lomax, who met with both the Western Force and ACT Brumbies.
With Mark Nawaqanitawase headed back to rugby, via Japan, incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss has a deep outside back cohort to consider with Tom Wright, Harry Potter, Dylan Pietsch, Corey Toole and Filipo Daugunu having all spent time on the wing alongside Jorgensen in 2025, while Andrew Kellaway, Darby Lancaster and even Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii also all capable of playing wing or fullback.