The New South Wales Waratahs have announced they have re-signed experienced scrumhalf Nick Phipps, who will remain in the Wallabies picture until at least 2019 with the new deal.
The 28-year-old Phipps, who has played 97 matches in the Super Rugby competition and has 52 Wallabies Test caps to his name, will be aiming to go past 100 matches this season and said playing for his state meant a lot to him.
“New South Wales is where I was born and where I grew up. It means a lot to me, as it does to a lot of the boys in the team, to pull on the Waratahs jersey and represent our home state,” Phipps said.
“The season ahead is really exciting. We’ve got a good mix of players, new energy and experienced leaders, so I’m looking forward to continue to come together as a team and see where we can go.
“This club has a really proud history and it’s our job to build on that legacy that we can be proud of for years to come.”
The new deal confirms Phipps will remain in Australian Rugby until at least the next World Cup, which will be contested during 2019 in Japan.
After starting his Super Rugby career in 2010 with the Melbourne Rebels, Phipps’ signature was captured by the Waratahs at the start of 2014 and he hasn’t looked back, being a key part of the side.
Phipps made his Wallabies debut in 2011, but has come on in leaps and bounds, playing 13 of the Wallabies’ 15 Test matches in 2016.
The scrumhalf said he was excited to continue his role in the Wallabies team after reaching a major milestone in his 50th match last year.
“I’m also really excited at the opportunity to potentially represent my country again this season. I really enjoyed the environment of the squad last year, especially the experience of bringing up my 50th cap on the Spring Tour.
“The Wallabies squad is continuing to grow and I want to be playing some good footy for the Tahs so that I’ll have the best chance to run out in the Gold jersey later this year.”
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
Now now I reckon the Wallabies have a good chance against Italy this year ................
Terry
Guest
Phipps Foley combo for the Wallabies for 3 more years..... WOW.....I`m over it.. Phipps has played nearly 60 tests and he still hasn't improved ..I`m just gobsmacked.. Cheika fall on your sword already buddy...
bigbaz
Roar Guru
I reckon he is not a bad finisher , seems to me that when he comes on against tiring defense in the last 20 or 30 minutes he is effective , not so good as a starter , tries too hard and cann't compete for long.
Morsie
Guest
I reckon Jake Gordon will take his spot before the season's out for both the Tahs and the Wallabies, and its Phipps who'll be looking for a contract escape.
puff
Guest
Regardless of the negative input by other, which one found amusing. There are a few positives which need to be noted. Although Nick’s playing style requires numerous refinements, for the Tams the gent is a known quantity, hence, specialist coaching could provide a much more clinical distribution service. Further, the Waratahs have a number of other elements within their team mix that appear more troublesome. Therefore the first couple of games will answer questions about their off season recruitment.
BF
Guest
Oh dear.
Pilferer
Roar Rookie
Was there any other offers?
P2R2
Roar Rookie
He MUST stay with the TAHS and the WBs that way, nothing will happen on attack....love it
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Guest
Well played Tman
Browny
Guest
It's nice to read a reasonable response to something every now and then, cheers Taylor...
Bakkies
Guest
Who knows Toulouse were stupid enough to sign Burgess
KiwiHaydn
Roar Rookie
Wonderful. Meanwhile NZ Rugby has resigned NMS.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Odd reaction,retaining this sort of experience is a major coup for SH sides these days. Cheika's not obliged to pick him but even if he's only injury cover that could be valuable at some point. I think he'll have better days yet.
AC
Guest
Where are the cashed up French clubs when you REALLY need them ? ...
Celtic334
Guest
Pretty sure Jake Gordon will be looking for a swift exit from his Tahs contract after this news.
The Battered Slav
Guest
I reckon a handful of my mates could probably be more effective than Phipps. Most of them play in the tight five, but no biggie...
Johnny J-Dog
Guest
Can we please have some good news for once?
Jock Cornet
Guest
Ffs is there no better halfbacks in Sydney
Terry
Guest
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Can he retire after the 2019 super season