Waratahs confirm Adam Ashley-Cooper’s return

The Waratahs received a further boost of experience with the confirmation that veteran utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper will rejoin them.

The 34-year-old Wallaby has signed a one-year deal with the Waratahs that will see him back in the sky blue jersey for the 2019 Super Rugby season.

Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson said Ashley-Cooper’s experience will be invaluable for the team.

“Adam’s record speaks for itself and you cannot replace the international experience that he brings to the team,” he told the Waratahs’ official website.

“He is an incredibly talented player and a highly respected leader, and I have no doubt that the younger players in the team will benefit from having him in our environment.

“His contracting supports our plan around managing our players better in 2019 and further creating depth in our squad.

“At the same time, I take my hat off to Adam because he has accepted a base contract as his return is about chasing a dream of playing Super Rugby for the New South Wales Waratahs again and earning a spot in the Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup squad.”

Ashley-Cooper, who made his Super Rugby debut in 2012 and has played for the Waratahs 61 times, said he was stoked to be back home.

“My desire to continue to play top-tier rugby and further my development is as strong as ever. The NSW Waratahs presented this opportunity to me and I jumped at the chance to reunite with the Sky Blue jersey,” he said.

“The challenge I have ahead of me is not being taken lightly. I will put everything into this 2019 NSW Waratahs season to see the team build toward something special.

“Overall, I’m super excited to get back into the NSW Waratahs organisation again and contribute in every way I can. I’ve had so many amazing memories in the sky blue jersey and looking forward to creating more with this team.”