Phipps stays in Oz, aims for RWC 2019

Sydney - Scrumhalf Nick Phipps has signed a new deal with Australian rugby as he pushes for selection for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Phipps, 28, re-signed with the Australian Rugby Union and his current New South Wales Waratahs team in Super Rugby until the end of 2019.

"The Wallabies squad is continuing to grow and I want to be playing some good footy for the Tahs so that I'll have the best chance to run out in the gold jersey later this year," the 52-Test veteran said.

He played in 13 of the 15 Wallabies Tests in 2016, sharing the number nine jersey with Will Genia.

"He played his 50th cap last year and he's just coming into his prime years as a rugby player so his best is yet to come," Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said.

The next World Cup will be held from September 20 to November 2, 2019.