Source: NSW Waratahs Rugby Media Release
Experienced scrumhalf, Nick Phipps commits to the NSW Waratahs until end 2019
The NSW Waratahs are pleased to announce the re-signing of experienced international scrumhalf, Nick Phipps today until the end of 2019.
Phipps is the second player in as many weeks to commit to the team for a further two seasons, joining lock Ned Hanigan.
The 28-year-old first joined the Tahs at the start of 2014, returning to his home state of NSW after his first three years in professional rugby with the Melbourne Rebels.
Since then his rugby career has skyrocketed, becoming a mainstay for both the Waratahs and Wallabies. With 97 Super Rugby caps to his name, the skilled scrumhalf is well on his way to running out for his 100th game in the tournament this year, after earning his 50th caps for both his country and state in 2016.
A key member of the NSW Waratahs’ new and experienced leadership group in recent years, Phipps said he felt honoured to have the opportunity to continue to play for NSW.
“NSW 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.”
Phipps had an outstanding breakout season in 2011; his efforts rewarded with a call up to international level, making his Wallabies debut in 2011 against Samoa and landing a spot in the side for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. It was a stellar rise for the energetic halfback who just twelve months earlier was plying his trade in club rugby.
Phipps secured his place in the Wallabies again in 2016 for the Rugby World Cup.
Phipps finished the 2016 Super Rugby season as the winner of the Waratah Medal for on and off field excellence. As well as his full-time professional rugby career, Phipps is studying his Masters in International Business. He is also an ambassador for the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service and, in 2016, was awarded the Men’s Health Celebrity Man of the Year Award, as voted by fans. Phipps has previously completed a Bachelor of Business at UTS.
Rugby runs deep in the Phipps family, he is the third Wallaby in his family with both his grandfather and great uncle (both named Jim) representing Australia.
A product of the Sydney University development system, Phipps helped Uni to consecutive Shute Shield club titles in 2009 and 2010. He first debuted on the international stage as part of the Australian Sevens side in the 2009 -10 Sevens World Series. A standout in this format, he was part of the Australian Sevens side who won silver at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Nick Phipps
Position: Scrumhalf
Date of birth: 09/01/1989
Height: 180cm
Weight: 87kg
Hometown: Parramatta, NSW
Junior Club: North Rocks Kangaroos
Senior Club/s: Sydney University / NSW Country Eagles
Super Rugby debut: Round 1, 2011 v NSW Waratahs (Melbourne Rebels)
Super Rugby caps: 97 (50 – NSW Waratahs, 47 – Melbourne Rebels)
Super Rugby points: 80 (16T)
Test debut: 2011 v Samoa, Sydney
Test caps: 52
Test points: 30 (6T)