31-Test capped lock Matt Philip will return to Australian Rugby, signing with the NSW Waratahs until the end of the 2027 season.
Philip will join his boyhood club at the end of the Japanese season in July, having previously played for the Western Force and the Melbourne Rebels.
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This means that the 31-year-old will be eligible to play for the Waratahs and Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions, boosting his chances of getting a Test recall.
Philip last played for the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup before taking up a deal with Japanese club Yokohama Canon Eagles.
“I’m stoked to be coming home. To be able to represent my state of New South Wales and play in front of my family, friends and supporters next year is something I’m really looking forward to," Philip said in a statement.
“Japan has been a great opportunity to continue to develop my game and grow off the field but I’m certainly motivated to bring back my experience and contribute again to Australian Rugby.
“There are some really big events on home soil in the not too distant future that I’d love to be a part of and I’ll be working hard to give myself the best opportunity to do so.”
Philip made his Wallabies debut in 2017 in Yokohama against Japan. His new deal boosts the Waratahs' pack, which includes former Rebels teammates Taniela Tupou and Rob Leota.
“This is good news. I coached against Matty when he was with the Force and the Rebels and I had the pleasure of working with him at Wallaby level over a couple of years," Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said.
“He is a good quality experienced lock and a Sydney boy who’s incredibly passionate about the Waratahs and the sky-blue jersey and it’s been a dream of his to play for NSW.
“It’s really nice to see that he'll be able to play for his home state in front of his family and friends when he’s back for the 2026 season.”
“Matt’s an experienced and proven Test player and to have him return to Australian Rugby is great for the depth across the system," Rugby Australia’s Director of High-Performance, Peter Horne, added.
“It’s encouraging to see players currently overseas recognise the opportunities on the horizon in Australian Rugby and express their desire to represent the gold jersey on home soil.”
