Waugh signs contract extension

Flanker Phil Waugh has signed a two-year contract extension with the ARU.

Flanker Phil Waugh has signed a two-year contract extension with the Australian Rugby Union.

Waugh, capped 55 times by the Wallabies, will also lead the New South Wales Waratahs in next season's Super 14 competition.

The 27-year-old takes over the Waratahs captaincy from scrum-half Chris Whittaker, who has left the club to finish his career in Ireland.

"It's a huge honour," said Waugh, who recently captained Australia in their clash against Wales during their tour of Europe.

"It's terrific to be signed with Australian Rugby and the Waratahs through to 2009 and the important thing now is to keep performing week in week out and to be one of the best players every week.

"I played my first season with the Waratahs in 2000 and am very much looking forward to spending 10 consecutive years playing for NSW."

Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie was delighted with the appointment.

"Phil's attributes in terms of matching our culture are second to none," he said.

"In recent weeks, he's been able to captain the Wallabies as well so that's another example of how he's on the move in terms of his leadership qualities."