The NSW Waratahs and Australian Rugby Union have today announced the re-signing of lock Dave Dennis until the end of 2017.
The Waratahs captain, who has made a successful return from a knee injury that cut short his 2014 season, is in the midst of his ninth season with New South Wales and will play a key role in the transition of the team under new Head Coach Daryl Gibson.
A long-time member of the NSW Waratahs, he has played all of his Super Rugby matches with the club since debuting in 2007 against the Crusaders.
Prior to the injury that prematurely ended his 2014 season, Dennis had enjoyed one of his most successful seasons to date, captaining the side to 12 victories and had an unbeaten record at home.
Waratahs CEO Greg Harris said the retention of Dennis formed a key part of the strategy for the club’s future success.
“The NSW Waratahs as an organisation prides itself on the core values of the game of rugby and Dave Dennis is the personification of those values, he is an integral part of the club both on and off the field,” Harris said.
“His form this year has been outstanding and he is a selfless player who during his tenure at the club has displayed great courage and leadership. We are indeed fortunate that he wants to continue his association with the Tahs.”
Incoming Head Coach Daryl Gibson said that Dennis had demonstrated considerable loyalty to the club; for which he should be commended.
“Dave’s leadership over the last three seasons has been invaluable for the team, and his re-signing just shows how committed he is to the Waratahs,” Gibson said.
“His decision to stay here signals that he is invested in the culture that we have built, and his legacy will be ensuring that the next generation of Waratahs to come through experiences the culture that brought us success.”
Highly regarded within the club, Dennis was awarded the Matthew Burke Cup for Players' Player for 2012, and followed it up in 2014 with the Waratah Medal - which recognises on and off field performance and is awarded by the Head Coach, CEO and Chairman to the player who best represents the values of the NSW Waratahs.
Dennis, who has 18 Wallaby Test caps, will be looking to build on his previous good form and earn a recall to the national side ahead of the Rugby World Cup later this year. Dennis was named in Michael Cheika’s 51-man Qantas Wallabies squad last month.
