Veteran Wallaby lock Rob Simmons has signed a new two-year contract extension with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs.
The 30-year-old has signed the new deal following a fine run of form since his move from Queensland two years ago.
Simmons is still in the picture on the international stage and with 94 caps to his name he could become the 11th Wallaby to make it to a century of caps.
The lock is delighted to continue his stay with the Waratahs and wants to continue helping the side.
“It’s been a great move to Sydney, both professionally and personally. My family have really enjoyed it and The Waratahs have been good to me so hopefully I can repay them over the next two years. The group is very focused on what they want to achieve and I’m just trying to support Hoops (Michael Hooper) in every way possible so that we can continue to mature as a group. The Wallabies have been a big part of my life for nearly a decade now and I’m hugely proud whenever I get the chance to wear the Wallaby jersey. I obviously knew that I had the option to still play for Australia and be based overseas and I had interest from a few clubs but that just wasn’t what I wanted to do,” he said.
With Simmons eyes focused on the international stage also, Australia head coach Michael Cheika believes he still has plenty to offer.
“Rob has played some of the best rugby of his career for the Waratahs this season. He has been very consistent and very resilient. I still believe there is plenty of growth in Rob’s game and he is primed to show that over the coming months,” he said.
The Wallabies are set to jet-off to South Africa for a weeklong camp this weekend before facing the Wallabies on Saturday the 20th of July at Ellis Park in this year’s shortened Rugby Championship campaign.
