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Phil Waugh, current Sydney University Elite Athlete Program scholarship holder and the most capped Waratah in the history of NSW Rugby Union, yesterday announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of the 2011 season.

“It’s been an honour and privilege to represent my state for the past 13 years and to represent my country over the past decade,”  Waugh said. “At 31, I’m excited about transitioning to the next phase of my life and the challenges I will face in forging a business career.”

“I started playing when I was four at the Narrabeen Tigers and I need to thank the support I’ve had from everyone at all levels of the game – at Narrabeen, Warringah Juniors, the Shore School, Sydney University Football Club, NSW Rugby Union and the Australian Rugby Union.”

An emotional Waugh, spoke yesterday at his press conference of the friendships and comradelier he has shared with his team-mates over the many years of playing rugby.

“It will not only be the players that I have played with, but also against, that I will miss the most. Touring, going away with the guys, sitting on the team bus, all of those things is what makes this game so special. I have been fortunate enough to have made some lifelong friends along the way, not only in Australian but around the world,” Waugh said.

“Phil has played an enormous role in Australian rugby for well over a decade, and he should be very proud of what he has achieved, not only as a player, but as a person as well,” SUFC President David Mortimer said.

“Phil has been a talented player, an outstanding role model and a positive cultural influence on so many young and aspiring players at Sydney University Football Club. We can never thank him enough for the support he has shown the club over the many years.”

Beacause of his heavy representative schedule, Waugh has been restricted to 40 First Grade games for SUFC, including two premierships. And he acts as water boy whenever he’s available.

Watch Phil Waugh’s retirement press conference

Phil Waugh’s Timeline

1979 – Phil Waugh was born in Sydney on 22nd September.
1983 – Phil started his rugby career at the age of 4 at the Narrabeen Tigers, were most of his junior rugby was played.
1997 – Phil Captained the Shore School North Sydney 1st XV and was named in the Australian Schoolboys side.
1998 – Phil commenced his rugby career at Sydney University, playing in the Colts 1st XV. He also played in the Australian Under 19’s that year.
1999 – Phil made his debut for NSW Waratahs versus the ACT Brumbies and also played Australian Under 21’s and Australian 7’s. Phil currently holds the most games played for the Waratahs, 135 and counting.
2000 – Phil made his Wallaby debut off the bench in a Test Match against England at Twickenham, and went on to play 79 Test Matches for Australia. Phil was included in his second tour with the Australian U20’s.
2001 – Phil represented Australia A’s, as well as his state and country.
2003 – Phil was voted as Australia’s “Best & Fairest player” by winning the John Eales medal. Phil was named as the Vice Captain of the Australian World Cup team.
2004 – Phil won the Matthew Burke Cup, for Waratahs Players’ Player
2005 – Phil was ranked inside the Top Ten Wallabies of all time and also won the Waratahs Best Forward Award
2007 – Phil was named as NSW Waratahs Captain, and holds the record for the most games as Waratah Captain (56), and the most winning games as Captain (34).
2008 – Phil won the Waratahs Best Forward Award
2009 – Phil won the Waratahs Best Forward Award
2010 – Phil won the Waratahs Best Forward Award

 

 

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