A powerful, ball-carrying No.8, Waldrom gave gutsy displays for NPC side Wellington and the Hurricanes before defecting to the Crusaders in 2009. There he again found success at the base of the scrum, with his work-rate complemented by good handling skills and quality under the high ball. In February 2010 it was announced that Waldrom would be swapping New Zealand for England and a spell with Leicester Tigers.

Waldrom enjoyed a spectacular first season in English rugby, making 23 apperances and scoring two tries in the process. The No.8 was a key part of the Tigers team that reached the Aviva Premiership final and was rewarded for his performances by being named RPA Players' Player of the Year.

Waldrom qualified for England through his grandmother and on June 20 was named in England's 45 man training squad for the Rugby World Cup, alongside fellow New Zealand born England internationals Shontayne Hape and Riki Flutey. Despite missing out on the original 30-man squad, Waldrom was extended an olive branch after injury doubts over Nick Easter. Waldrom flew over to his country of birth to provide cover for the No.8 but did not see any action.

Waldrom was once again included in the England squad for the 2012 Six Nations but similar to the World Cup, failed to make the side. His time came on tour to South Africa later that summer, when doubts over Ben Morgan's form led to a start in the third Test against the Springboks, following an enterprising cameo a week earlier.