New captain, new jersey, new look

13 Dec '06

3 min read

The HSBC Waratahs will kick off the 2007 Super 14 season with a new skipper and a new jersey with a re-signed Phil Waugh named captain at the side's jersey launch in Sydney.

Waugh's confirmation as skipper comes on the same day as the announcement of his new two-year deal with the HSBC Waratahs and Australian Rugby Union, taking him through to the end of the 2009 season.

A veteran of 82 matches for NSW, Waugh says taking over the captaincy of his home state is the realisation of a lifelong dream. “I grew up watching the Waratahs, I have never wanted to play anywhere but with the Waratahs, so to have re-signed and be named captain is a massive honour,” Waugh said. “There's still plenty left to achieve here and the new contract and captaincy gives me the opportunity to do just that.

“Looking at the calibre of people that have had the honour of captaining the Waratahs in the history of NSW Rugby, it is very humbling to join such an illustrious group." “It's a job I relish but also one that comes with a lot of responsibility, and I'll be doing my best to live up to the expectations my team mates and every Waratah supporter out there.”

HSBC Waratahs head coach Ewen McKenzie says the dual announcements give the team certainty heading into the new season.

“Phil is a proven and acknowledged leader within the playing group and he'll do an excellent job now as the Waratah captain,” HSBC Waratahs head coach Ewen McKenzie said. “His record is impressive, he was vice-captain under Chris Whitaker for three years, vice-captained the Wallabies at the World Cup and captained the Test team against Wales on the spring tour."

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