Waugh rejects foreign offers

Sydney - Australian flank Phil Waugh re-signed with the Wallabies and the Waratahs until after the 2011 Rugby World Cup on Wednesday, turning down lucrative offers from Europe to stay in his homeland.

Waugh agreed to a new two-year deal that will give him the chance to reach 100 Test caps and extend his run at the Super 14 Waratahs outfit he captains to 12 successive seasons.

The 29-year-old said it was "certainly not a financial decision" and felt he still had a lot to offer, both at provincial and international level.

"I've always said all along that I'm happy to sacrifice a significant amount of money to stay here and I guess I've done that," he told reporters.

"This is not a decision I have made lightly.

Waugh has played 77 Tests for the Wallabies after a 2000 debut against England, making him Australia's 10th-most-capped player.

"I am thoroughly enjoying my rugby in Australia and have a real drive and desire to enjoy many successes over the next period of time," he said.

The Australian Rugby Union said Waugh shunned offers from Europe, a decision welcomed by ARU High Performance Unit general manager David Nucifora.

"Phil is obviously a highly valued player and we're delighted he's decided to continue his career in Australia," Nucifora said.

"It's important we keep experienced players here, from a Wallabies perspective and also for the Super rugby provinces.

"One of the things we've attempted to do over the last 12 months is build the depth in Australian rugby and increase the competition for spots in the Wallabies' side."