Scrumhalf Nick Phipps has signed a two-year contract extension with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU), which will keep him with the Wallabies and Waratahs until the end of 2017.
Phipps started all 14 of Australia’s Tests in the past year, taking his tally of Test caps to 28 – since his debut in 2011.
Wallaby coach Michael Cheika welcomed Phipps’ decision to sign, saying the 25-year-old is “someone who is prepared to do whatever it takes to make things happen and I am sure we will see that from him over the next three seasons”.
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Phipps said he is “grateful” for this opportunity afforded to him by the ARU and Waratahs to continue his passion to wear the gold jersey.
Phipps maintained his starting position in all Test matches since the Wallabies’ thrilling 24-23 win over the Springboks in the 2014 Rugby Championship.
After a series of standout performances in the Shute Shield competition, Phipps made his Super Rugby debut with the Melbourne Rebels in 2011, where he won the franchise’s inaugural Players’ Player Award, and Australian Super Rugby Rookie of the Year Award.
Following a three-year term at the newly launched franchise, Phipps returned to his home State of New South Wales in 2013 and helped guide the Waratahs to a maiden Super Rugby title in 2014, and earned a Test recall.
“Representing your country is the ultimate honour,” Phipps said.
“There are some outstanding halfbacks in Australian Rugby at the moment, which is fantastic for the game.
“We’re always challenging each other for that number 9 jersey, which really drives us to succeed and helps us improve as players.
“I’m looking forward to working hard over the next few months and achieving my goal of being selected for next year’s World Cup squad.”
Cheika congratulated Phipps on his new deal.
“Nick has made a real impact in the past 12 months at a provincial and national level and he is still improving his game. 2015 will be a great opportunity for Nick and we are really happy that he has decided to play his Rugby in Australia for the 2016 and 2017 seasons,” Cheika said.
“Nick is someone who is prepared to do whatever it takes to make things happen and I am sure we will see that from him over the next three seasons.”
Phipps made his debut for Australia against Samoa in 2011 and became the third Wallaby in his family, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and great uncle (both named Jim).
Phipps went on to make his World Cup debut against Russia at the 2011 World Cup and played in two Tests against the British & Irish Lions in 2013.
Entering his 5th professional season, Phipps’ career stats include 17 out of 28 starting Tests for the Wallabies with 20 points (4 tries), as well as 64 Super Rugby caps and 45 points (9 tries).
Before his Wallabies debut, Phipps represented Australia in Sevens in 2009 and 2010, including a Silver Medal at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.
Phipps has a big year ahead of him in 2015, with the Waratahs bid to retain the Super Rugby trophy starting mid February, and the Wallabies World Cup campaign, which is due to kick off against Fiji in September following the end of the Super Rugby season.
“I’m also really excited to be a part of the Waratahs in 2015 and have the chance to play for back-to-back titles alongside not just my teammates, but some of my best mates.”
“I’ve lived in New South Wales most of my life, I was born here, grew up playing rugby here and nothing means more to me than representing my home state. I love being a Waratah and playing in front of all my family and friends.”