Nick Phipps has established himself as Australia's starting half-back © Getty Images

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Nick Phipps has signed a two-year contract extension with the Australian Rugby Union that will take him through until the end of the 2017 season.

"Representing your country is the ultimate honour," Phipps said in a statement released by the ARU. "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 No.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."

Waratahs and Wallabies coach Michael Cheika congratulated Phipps on his deal, saying he had "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, 25, became the third Wallabies player in his family when he made his Test debut against Samoa in 2011, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and great uncle (both named Jim). He went on to make his Rugby World Cup debut against Russia in the 2011 tournament in New Zealand, and played in two Tests against the British & Irish Lions in 2013.

He has now played 28 Tests having featured in all 14 Wallabies matches during the 2014 international calendar, starting all Tests since Australia's thrilling 24-23 win over the Springboks in the Rugby Championship.