Waratahs and Sydney Uni hooker Tolu Latu will remain at Moore Park until the end of 2018 after signing a three-year contract extension with the 2014 Super Rugby champions.

The Tongan born 22-year old already boasts 28 Super Rugby caps and is expected to play a significant role through the Waratahs ‘rebuilding period’.

“I’m really happy to be able to stay here with the Waratahs, it’s an exciting time to be at the club,” Latu said.

“It will be great to play under Daryl as Head Coach, and I’m really looking forward to working with him and Cam Blades in the coming seasons.

“I’ve had a great start to my career with NSW, so it makes sense for me to continue on with my progress as a professional player here.”

NSW Waratahs Head Coach Daryl Gibson said retaining Latu was a key element in maintaining depth in the Waratahs’ front row stocks.

“Tolu has been an important member of the forwards over the past two seasons, and I think he really stepped up in 2015 in particular,” Gibson said.

“The competition he has developed with Tatafu for a starting position is exactly what we’re after within the squad, making sure that everyone is earning the right to play each game and bringing the best out in each other.

“He’s really taken every opportunity that was presented to him, and shown how hungry he is for success.”

NSW Waratahs Assistant Coach (Forwards) Cam Blades said that Latu showed signs of being an exceptional talent.

“He is certainly one of the best young forwards in the country, and has shown a lot of improvement in his technical skills over the past few seasons,” Blades said.

“I’m really impressed with how he works and we will undoubtedly see some more great football from him over the next three seasons.”