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New South Wales have received some much-needed good news ahead of the Super Rugby season, with the club today confirming Adam Ashley-Cooper will line up for the side in 2019.
The 34-year-old put pen to paper on a one-year contract that will see him represent the Waratahs once more after a four-year absence.
Ashley-Cooper, a Sydney native, originally started his Super Rugby career with the Brumbies, playing seven seasons in the ACT before making the switch to his hometown Waratahs.
He played 61 matches across his four-year stint at Moore Park, scoring 68 points and playing an instrumental role in the side’s 2014 championship triumph.
After the 2015 World Cup, however, he decided to ply his trade overseas. He played two seasons at French Top 14 club Bordeaux, before spending the last two season in Japan with the Kobe Steelers.
A shock return to the national side last year paved the way for his return to Australia, with the club today now rubber stamping his new Waratahs deal.
In a press release, Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson spoke highly of the veteran.
“Adam’s record speaks for itself and you cannot replace the international experience that he brings to the team,” he said.
“He is an incredibly talented player and a highly respected leader, and I have no doubt that the younger players in the team will benefit from having him in our environment.
“I take my hat off to Adam because he has accepted a base contract as his return is about chasing a dream of playing Super Rugby for the NSW Waratahs again and earning a spot in the Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup squad,” he added.
Ashley-Cooper said he “jumped at the chance” to wear Waratahs colours again, adding his “desire to continue to play top-tier rugby and further [his] development is as strong as ever.”
“The challenge I have ahead of me is not being taken lightly.
“Overall, I’m super excited to get back into the NSW Waratahs organisation again and contribute in every way I can. I’ve had so many amazing memories in the sky blue jersey and looking forward to creating more with this team,” he added.
The Waratahs begin their 2019 season with a February 16 clash against the Hurricanes in Brookvale. You can view the full 2019 Super Rugby fixtures here.