Monday 29 December 2014 07:10, UK
Australia scrum-half Nick Phipps has signed a two-year contract extension with the Australian Rugby Union which will keep him with the Wallabies and New South Wales Waratahs until the end of 2017.
Phipps, 25, has been handed the new deal after starting all 14 of Australia's Tests over the past season, taking his total of Test appearances to 28 since his debut in 2011.
Head coach Michael Cheika welcomed Phipps' decision to sign the contract extension.
He told the ARU’s official website: “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.
“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 said: “Representing your country is the ultimate honour. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity by the Australian Rugby Union and the Waratahs to continue my passion to wear the gold jersey.
“There are some outstanding half-backs 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 Rugby World Cup squad.”
