Leo Jaques, rated as one of Australian rugby union's most exciting young prospects has switched codes in signing with the Cronulla Sharks.
The 20-year-old, who represented Australia at under-20’s level, will join the Sharks ahead of the 2027 season after signing a three-year deal.
A strongly built outside back, who stands 193cm tall and tips the scales close to 100kgs, Jaques made his senior rugby debut in the Super Rugby competition in 2025, before being selected in the junior Wallabies squad for the recent under-20’s World Cup in Georgia.
With experience as an outside centre, winger and fullback in the 15-man game, Jaques possesses the size, skill and speed to make an impact in rugby league.
“Along with being an outstanding athlete, Leo has the attitude, character and work ethic we believe will complement the players already in our squad,” Sharks Head of Football Darren Mooney said.
“Once Leo made the decision to explore his options in rugby league, he attracted interest from a number of NRL clubs. He also had several opportunities to remain in rugby union, so we are delighted that he has chosen the Sharks to begin his NRL journey.
“We look forward to supporting his development and are excited about what he can bring to our club both on and off the field.”
Jaques is the grandson of Richard Holmes, a former Royal Australian Navy Commander and well-respected rugby figure, and the nephew of Troy Jaques, who played for the Brumbies in the Super Rugby competition as well as two tests for the Wallabies.
However, while the family has strong rugby union links, the Scots College graduate also played rugby league with the Coogee Wombats up until the age of 16 and was a member of the Sydney Roosters Matthews Cup squad, while his grandfather Peter played for the North Sydney Bears.
Jaques was also selected to attend a NSW Junior Blues academy camp back in 2022, alongside the likes of Jesse McLean of the Panthers, Fletcher Sharp from the Knights and current Sharks NRL squad members Liam Ison and Harrison Hassett.
Jaques was excited to be returning to rugby league and was looking forward to joining the Sharks in 2027.
“From what I know it’s a great club,” Jaques said. “Meeting all the boys and Fitzy and the coaching staff it’s such a close-knit group, it’s a family and I’m very happy to now be a part of this family.”
After being granted a release from his contract with the NSW Waratahs, Jaques has met and consulted with Sharks coaching and high-performance staff and will spend some time around the NRL training group for the remainder of the 2026 season.
He will begin full-time training with the NRL squad in the 2027 pre-season.
“I’ll be trying to connect with the boys as much as I can, be a sponge, learn as much as I can before pre-season and come in ready to roll,” Jaques added.
