Nick Phipps re-signs until the end of 2019

Jan 25 • General News, International • 1127 Views • Comments Off on Nick Phipps re-signs until the end of 2019

Experienced scrumhalf Nick Phipps has pledged his future to Australian Rugby, re-signing with the ARU and New South Wales Waratahs until the end of 2019.

The 52-Test veteran has elected to stay in Sydney for a further two years and now has a chance to push for selection in what would be his third World Cup come Japan 2019.

The 28-year old played in 13 of the Wallabies 15 Tests in 2016, sharing the number nine jersey with Will Genia.

It was a memorable year for the skilled scrumhalf, who also earned his 50th cap for the Waratahs last season.

“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 continuing to come together as a team and see where we can go.

“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.”

Qantas Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said: “Nick’s dedication to both New South Wales and Australian Rugby has been outstanding over the last five years. That is why we were so keen for him to stay and play his rugby in Australia.

“He played his 50th cap last year and he’s just coming into his prime years as a rugby player so his best is yet to come.

“That’s what this decision is about, playing the best rugby of his career in Australia and for Australia.”

The Wallabies have played a significant role in the Phipps household, with Nick the third member of his family to pull on the Gold jersey after both his grandfather and great-uncle represented Australia.

The Sydney University product also starred for Australia on the World Sevens Series circuit and has a Commonwealth Games Silver medal from Delhi 2010.

Nick Phipps
Position: Scrumhalf
Height: 180cm
Weight: 87kg
DOB: 09/01/1989
Super Rugby debut: 2011 v NSW Waratahs (Melbourne Rebels)
Super Rugby caps: 97 (50 NSW Waratahs, 47 Melbourne Rebels)
Super Rugby points: 80 (16T)
Australia Sevens debut: Dubai 2009
Australia Sevens caps: 6
Australia Sevens points: 40 (4T, 10C)
Test debut: 2011 v Samoa, Sydney
Test caps: 52
Test points: 30 (6T)