Veteran Wallabies lock Rob Simmons signs contract extension with Rugby Australia

Wallabies lock Rob Simmons has extended his stay at the NSW Waratahs after signing a two-year extension with Rugby Australia and New South Wales Rugby Union.

Simmons has reinvigorated his career following his move south from Queensland, and enjoyed a rich vein of form during the Waratahs’ 2019 Super Rugby campaign.

The 30-year old is now in line to become just the 11th Australian test centurion should he earn six more Wallabies caps.

Simmons said: “It’s been a great move to Sydney, both professionally and personally. My family have really enjoyed it and The Waratahs have been good to me so hopefully I can repay them over the next two years.

“The group is very focused on what they want to achieve and I’m just trying to support Hoops (Michael Hooper) in every way possible so that we can continue to mature as a group.

“The Wallabies have been a big part of my life for nearly a decade now and I’m hugely proud whenever I get the chance to wear the Wallaby jersey. I obviously knew that I had the option to still play for Australia and be based overseas and I had interest from a few clubs but that just wasn’t what I wanted to do,” Simmons said.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said: “Rob has played some of the best rugby of his career for the Waratahs this season. He has been very consistent and very resilient.”

“I still believe there is plenty of growth in Rob’s game and he is primed to show that over the coming months.”

The Wallabies will depart for South Africa this weekend for a week-long camp on the Highveld before their test against the Springboks on Saturday July 20 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

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