Wallabies five-eighth Berrick Barnes will play the first season of the expanded Super 15 competition in Sydney after recommitting to the NSW Waratahs for another year.
Barnes signed a two-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union last season to take him through to the conclusion of the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
His contract bringing him to the Waratahs for 2010 included a one-year option, which the Queenslander has elected to take up.
“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,” the classy playmaker said.
“I’m glad I’ve now made the call and I don’t have to worry about it anymore.
“I’ve really enjoyed the culture here, thus far. It’s been a tough four weeks but I feel as if the squad is moving in the right direction and it is something I feel excited about being a part of for another year.
“New South Wales 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 new Melbourne Rebels franchise which joins the competition next year but they said they withdrew because he only wanted to do one-season deal.
Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said Barnes’ impact on the squad had been immediate and his recommitment augurs 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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