The Wallabies will be able to call on the services of Matt Philip for the 2021 international season after the second-rower inked a two-and-a-half-year deal to return to Australian rugby.
Philip, who started in every one of the Wallabies’ six Tests last year, has been playing for French club Pau in 2021, but has recommitted to returning home with an eye on the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The 27-year-old will be available for selection in this year’s Tests before rejoining the Melbourne Rebels for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
“I’m looking forward to giving something back to the club,” Philip said in a statement on Thursday afternoon.
“Without the Rebels and the people involved in the environment, I definitely wouldn’t be in the position I am today. I want to achieve some club goals and bring home some silverware.
“The Top 14 has been a great opportunity for growth both on and off the field. A lot of games are in cold, wet weather and against some big bodies so as a tight five forward, it’s definitely helped me improve and grow my game.
“France has obviously been in lockdown since I arrived, so this has forced me to also develop and mature, becoming a more well-rounded person off the field.
“I feel like I’ve only just got started within the Wallabies environment. I have a lot to give so if provided the opportunity I won’t take a backwards step.”
Philip’s return is the second major signing Rugby Australia have made to bolster the Wallabies’ second-row stocks of late, after Izack Rodda announced he would be joining the Western Force last month.
Lock had been arguably the side’s biggest area of concern last year due to the post-World Cup departures of Rory Arnold and Adam Coleman, but with Rodda and Philip returning and Rebels youngster Trevor Hosea developing nicely, the second row no longer appears quite the same problem area it once was.
“It will be great to have Matt back in Australia. He was a standout for the Wallabies last year and has grown as a player during his brief stint in France,” Rugby AU director of rugby Scott Johnson said.
“Matt’s return will add further competition to our second-row stocks this year and as we keep on the journey to the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
“Matt is one of a number of overseas-based Australians who are interested in returning home. Each have said they want to play in our Super Rugby competition and are desperate to pull on the gold jersey.
“They know what we’re building ahead of the World Cup in France and the level of talent in this current group.”
The Wallabies are scheduled to play current Six Nations runners-up France in a July series this year, with the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship to follow.
Sluggy
Roar Guru
Good.
JC
Roar Rookie
How did they go?
Tony H
Roar Pro
It would be great to see Morahan back. He's our best FB by a mile, and at this might actually not get screwed over at Wallabies selection time.
Bingo
Roar Rookie
Very good news
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
All that Irish blood in his veins. :happy:
Harry Jones
Expert
CJ Stander was rugged
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Harry, smart play by those two. They win by boring everyone to death, then when you all are alseep they pull off a sneak play. Gotta give it to the Oirish, they love a good scrap and know how to win. :silly: I really enjoyed the Ireland tour of South Africa back in 2016. Different teams now but sure was entertaining. :stoked:
Harry Jones
Expert
With Connor Murray and Jonny Sexton @ 9-10?
Homer Gain
Guest
You realise he is playing for the team second bottom of the Top 14 right? Like many others, Phillip looked good playing against the other 2nd raters that constitute the bulk of Super (you've got to laugh) Rugby AU. Against anyone else, not so much
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Harry, close but you dropped the chocolates. End of 2022: 1 = NZ 2 = Oz 3 = England 4 = France 5 = SA (maybe). I see the Lions winning every test by +15. :rugby:
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
mz, and strangely enough the Poms won that match thanks to another referee mistake. Gosh I would love a dollar/pound for every time the England team gets a leg up from the referee/TMO/linesman. I would make heaps, be drinking French champagne and snorting Mexico's finest on my Tahitian island. :silly:
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Noticed the Arnold brothers starting together in Limerick last weekend.
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Yes, and many forget that Skelton was a significant player at Saracens, and is a key player now with La Rochelle. And they are a strong challenger to take top spot from the very powerful Toulouse outfit. Skelton is no lineout player, but is a very good forward in many other areas eg offload in the tackle.
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
"Their B team (literally, not a NZ B team missing BBBB) ran England very close in the final of that forgettable Autumn series. They’re very strong". Good to bring this up, oz. French lads had England beaten till late in the game, from what I recall...England only winning in that ridiculous extra period.
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
"He’s the form 6 by a mile." Country mile too !
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
You gonna be like that CT, then we will have Ned up here in Qld. :happy:
jeznez
Roar Guru
Will depend on Rennie’s game plan but Valetini looks suited to me!
JC
Roar Rookie
Agree but Tests are a different kettle of fish. Just ask poor Pete Samu!
JC
Roar Rookie
There was a process for appointing the Reds captain last year but I’m not sure if it’s the norm. That’s why I have questions about it. I believe Wright was Thorn’s captain at NRC level.
JC
Roar Rookie
Will be interesting to see how the other blindside flankers like Kemeny and Valetini go. And if Swinton can improve his discipline. But Ned has several years’ experience on those blokes. Don’t write him off!