Studious Barnes recommits to Waratahs

All business, Wallabies playmaker Berrick Barnes says his decision to re-sign with the NSW Waratahs for another Super rugby season was a no-brainer.

Barnes joined the Waratahs this season on a one-year deal but has opted to extend his stay until at least the end of 2011 after enrolling at Sydney University to complete a graduate certificate in commerce.

“There’s about eight or nine of the boys here doing that course,” Barnes said on Monday.

“So it’s a good thing that most of the team are studying and have some balance outside their (rugby) lives and that’s been one of the best things about being involved with this squad and the culture here.

“There’s guys doing things in their spare time and they’re keen about their studies.”

The 23-year-old’s contract extension means he’ll play the first season of the expanded Super 15 competition with the Waratahs, also allowing him to build on combinations with several Wallabies teammates ahead of the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

“You weigh up everything that’s put in front of you and in the end I know it’s definitely the right decision to stay at the Tahs,” Barnes said.

“I’m glad I’ve now made the call and I don’t have to worry about it anymore.

“NSW definitely has a winning culture and there’s a high expectation of success both internally and externally, which drives you as a player.”

Barnes had been a prime recruiting target for the Melbourne Rebels, who join the competition next year.

But with the former Queensland Reds captain only interested in a one-season deal, the Rebels gave up the chase and continue to struggle to attract quality players.

Former England Test five-eighth Danny Cipriani remains the Rebels’ solitary marquee signing to date, with the tournament newcomers so far failing to land any of their “big five” targets – Barnes or fellow Wallabies Stirling Mortlock, Peter Hynes, David Pocock or Benn Robinson.

Barnes said the Rebels simply weren’t the right fit for him.

“They’re going to be an exciting prospect next year,” he said.

“They’ve got good guys running their set-up obviously in (coach) Rod Macqueen and (chief executive) Brian Waldron and I’ve no doubt they’re going to attract some big-name players.

“But, personally for me, this is the best thing in going forward for next year.

“Obviously there’s a lot of things going on next year in terms of the rugby calendar, but my focus first and primarily is the Waratahs.

“Everything NSW have promised me, they’ve delivered.”

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said Barnes’ impact on the squad had been immediate and his recommitment augured well for the future of the team.

“Everyone knows what a quality person Berrick is both on and off the field so it’s obvious we’re really happy to have him on board again in 2011,” Hickey said.

“As soon as Berrick joined us, he slotted into the culture seamlessly and spent a lot of time in the pre-season working with the younger inside backs to help them with their development.

“It’s great that he has his future sorted now and can just concentrate on his rugby.”

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© 2010 AAP