Rob Simmons commits to Australia and New South Wales Waratahs
Rob Simmons has played 94 Tests for Australia
©PA
Wallabies lock Rob Simmons has committed his immediate future with Rugby Australia and New South Wales Waratahs after signing a new two-year contract.
Simmons started his career playing in the Australian Rugby Championship for East Coast Aces with his Super Rugby debut for Reds coming in 2008. With over 100 Super Rugby appearances, the 30-year-old moved to Waratahs in 2018.
“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," said Simmons.
“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.
The 6ft 7in lock has represented Australia in 94 Tests since making his debut in 2010 and last featured during the November internationals in 2018. He was also part of the 2011 and 2015 World Cup squads of Australia in which he played 13 Tests combined across both the editions.
“Rob has played some of the best rugby of his career for the Waratahs this season. He has been very consistent and very resilient," said Australia head coach Michael Cheika.
“I still believe there is plenty of growth in Rob’s game and he is primed to show that over the coming months".
