Sydney - Wallabies scrumhalf Nick Phipps will leave the Melbourne Rebels to join the Waratahs for the next two Super Rugby seasons, the Waratahs said on Saturday.
Phipps, 24, made his Test debut against Samoa in 2011 and has gone on to earn 12 caps, including starting in eight out of the Wallabies' last nine matches.
"Nick is a good threatening, attacking player," Waratahs coach Michael Cheika said.
"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 number nine position."
Rebels head coach Damien Hill said while disappointed to lose Phipps he recognised the reality of super rugby salary caps being realised at the club.
"We have identified and developed some great talent within Australian rugby who are now coming off contract and the reality is these players now attract interest from other clubs with different financial circumstances," Hill said.