Super Rugby
Nick Phipps confirms Waratahs deal
March 16, 2013
The Rebels' Nick Phipps celebrates his side's victory, Melbourne Rebels v Crusaders, Super Rugby, AAMI Park, Melbourne, Australia, May 12, 2012
Nick Phipps is happy to be leaving Melbourne as he has the blessing of Rebels team-mates © Getty Images
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Melbourne Rebels and Australia half-back Nick Phipps will join New South Wales Waratahs in the 2014 Super Rugby season on a two-year deal.

The Waratahs and the Australian Rugby Union announced the deal on Saturday, with Phipps also signing a two-year contract extension with the Wallabies.

Phipps, 24, made his Test debut against Samoa in 2011; he has earned 12 caps, starting in eight of the Wallabies' past nine matches in the absence of injured Will Genia.

Phipps' move to the Waratahs has been speculated widely, and the player addressed Melbourne teammates recently to inform them of his move. "To have the players blessing and their support was very important to me, and I was very humbled by their response," Phipps said. There would be no sweeter thing for this group than to storm home and depart on the ultimate high."

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika believes Phipps is well-suited to his team. "Nick is a good threatening, attacking player," Cheika said. "He's good all round, in attack, in defence and with his kicking game; he's a quality player and I think that he's still got a lot of potential to fulfil. That makes for very good competition in the No.9 position."

© AAP

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