Nicholas James Phipps (born 9 January 1989) is an Australian rugby union player who plays as a scrum-half for the Waratahs in the Super Rugby. Between 2011 and 2019, Phipps played for the Australia national team, making 72 Test caps and playing a backup role in their 2015 Rugby World Cup in which they finished runners-up.
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Early life
Phipps was educated at The King's School and in 2009 captained Sydney University's premiership-winning 1st Colts team.
As of 2017, he was studying a Masters of International Business at Sydney University.
Career
Rebels
Phipps signed to the Melbourne Rebels in July 2010. Phipps mentors for the 2011 Super Rugby season included former Wallaby halfback Sam Cordingley. Phipps said he was looking forward to learning from his fellow halfbacks, Cordingley, and Kingi, and also from Rebels centre (and former Wallaby) Julian Huxley.
In May 2012 Phipps combined with Kurtley Beale in the halves (9 & 10) against the Bulls from South Africa. Beale had been moved from fullback to flyhalf following Danny Cipriani's unexpected departure from the Rebels. Phipps scored a try under the posts.
Waratahs
Phipps moved back to Sydney to play for the Waratahs commencing 2014.
Rebels coach Damien Hill said, "Nick has played a major part in laying the foundations of this Club and it is disappointing to see him leave. He replicates our team ethos in everything he does, both on a off the rugby field."
The Wallabies and Waratahs scrum half re-signed with the ARU and NSW Waratahs in January 2017 for a two-year contract extension that takes Phipps through to the end of the 2019 season. In March 2017 he brought up his 100th super rugby cap.
London Irish
On 1 February 2019, Phipps travel to England to join London Irish in the English Premiership ahead of the 2019–20 season.
Return to the Waratahs: 2027
In May 2026, after finishing his time in Japan, Phipps said that he was returning to Australia to assess his options. By July, reports emerged that both Phipps and former Waratahs teammate Bernard Foley were in contract negotiations with the Waratahs to return for their 2027 season. On 6 August 2026, the Waratahs confirmed both Phipps and Foley's signing for ahead of the 2027 season.
International career
His grandfather and great uncle, both called Jim, played for the Wallabies. Following the rich family culture within rugby Phipps made his international debut playing for Australia in the 2009 IRB Sevens World Series.
Phipps played in the Australian Sevens at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, in Delhi. He scored a try and kicked eight conversions in his Games' debut. Australia went on to win Silver, losing the final to New Zealand.
In late 2010 Phipps toured with the Wallabies, and was named on the bench against the Leicester Tigers. In August 2011 Phipps became one of three halfbacks selected for the Wallabies in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Phipps played 26 minutes for the Wallabies against Russia. He was one of three Rebels to play in the tournament, the others being new signings James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale. He has continued his international career playing and appearing in the bench frequently since his debut in the green and gold.
After almost two years since Phipps started for the Wallabies on home soil, he was chosen for his 29th start in a Wallabies jersey in the third deciding test against Ireland.
Personal life
Phipps is the grandson of Jim Phipps, and great-nephew of Walter Phipps, both former Wallabies.
Phipps married Ebony in 2018 and welcomed a son in early 2019.
Awards and honours
Waratahs
Super Rugby: 2014
Australia
The Rugby Championship: 2015
Australia Sevens
Commonwealth Games – Silver medal: 2010
Individual
Sydney University Male Blue of the Year: 2017
Celebrity Men's Health Man of the Year: 2016