RA rejected an early release and Gordon subsequently became Schmidt’s No.1 halfback, starting in nine of 13 Tests in 2024.
Off contract at the end of 2025, Gordon is again fielding interest from French and English clubs and, at the age of 31, has a big call ahead: depart and fulfil an aspiration to play overseas, or stay to the 2027 Rugby World Cup and see if opportunities exist after that, when he’ll be 33.
Jake Gordon on his way to score a solo try against Wales.Credit: Getty Images
A home Rugby World Cup is a powerful lure for most and Gordon is yet to play in one. But having been overlooked for a year under Jones before returning under Schmidt, Gordon is also keen to understand the coaching picture before he makes a call.
“I really enjoyed my time with Joe, and the whole coaching staff. I really enjoyed the last six months,” Gordon said.
“And as all the boys have said, Joe is a great man and you have to respect his time and what decision he makes. Either way I will be happy for him, but in a selfish way I would love to see him stay on. It definitely does play a part [in my decision] for sure.”
Speaking at Waratahs headquarters on Tuesday, where he was reappointed captain by new coach Dan McKellar, Gordon joked about wishing he was younger and that he’d even tried changing his age on the internet.
Jake Gordon puts the ball into the scrum for the Waratahs in 2024.Credit: Getty
The 31-year-old, who debuted for NSW in 2017, was a simple choice as captain for McKellar. Gordon not only represented an element of consistency in a much-changed club since last season, McKellar said he was a respected leader and an experienced footballer.
Gordon admitted the end of the Waratahs’ wooden spoon season in Super Rugby last year was emotionally draining. McKellar said he and Gordon spoke soon after he was appointed and the topic of passing on the burden of captaincy to someone else was raised.
“Me and Dan spoke about this for a little bit and the back end of last season definitely took its toll emotionally,” Gordon said.
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“They’re always sort of hard when years don’t go to plan. But very early in the conversation I said to Dan, whatever he thinks best for the team, I’ll do it. And he sat on that for a little bit. Over the break he came to me saying, I think you’d be best suited.”
McKellar said the Waratahs were keen for Gordon to stay for a few more years.
“He’s close towards the end, but he’s still got a few years in front of him. He’s playing the best rugby he’s played at international level. So, keen to keep him, definitely,” McKellar said.
The Waratahs kick off their trial matches on Saturday, with a clash against NSW Pasifika side at Eric Tweedale Stadium in Granville. Wallabies stars will not feature, and are slated to return the following week against the Brumbies in Bowral.
