Reports are emerging that Melbourne Rebels scrum-half Nick Phipps has completed a deal to move to the Waratahs next season.
Phipps had his sights set on being with the Rebels long term until he discovered the franchise had locked in the services of former Waratah and Wallabies halfback Luke Burgess.
The issue for Phipps has been the inference from the Burgess signing that he would be overlooked at the selection table.
Phipps came to the Rebels after being selected in the Australian Sevens program. He was selected for the 2011 end-of-year but found limited game time in a midweek fixture.
He got his big break after the Rebels' first choice scrum-half Sam Cordingley went down with a leg injury in their first ever Super Rugby game - against the Waratahs in 2011.
Luke Burgess was reportedly looking to return from France for a crack at the British and Irish Lions later this year. He spent much of his international career off the bench for George Gregan and Will Genia. It is not clear what the terms of his contract will be.
Burgess was first noticed playing in the short-lived Australian Rugby Championship, for the Melbourne Rebels - a team that has no connection to the Super Rugby franchise, other than the name they share.
By Paul Roberton
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