Nick Phipps to stay with ARU

Sydney - Scrumhalf Nick Phipps has signed a two-year contract extension with the Australian Rugby Union which will keep him with the Wallabies and Waratahs until the end of 2017.

Phipps started all 14 of Australia's tests in the past season, taking his tally of test caps to 28 since his debut in 2011.

Head coach Michael Cheika welcomed Phipps' decision to sign, saying the 25-year-old "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 he is "grateful for this opportunity by the Australian Rugby Union and Waratahs to continue my passion to wear the gold jersey."