Fitzpatrick returns home to the Tahs
The 27-year-old spent three years plying his trade at Lyon, where he helped them gain promotion into the Top 14, after the side claimed the honours in two second division competitions.
Fitzpatrick has already made a huge impact as part of the Sydney Rays in the 2016 National Rugby Championship, having made the most amount of tackles in the tournament so far – after returning to his home city earlier in 2016.
"Damien returns from France a much-improved player. He offers leadership potential and I'm sure he can really add to the team. His return increases competition for the hooking spot next season, which will challenge all three players to new heights," Waratahs head coach, Daryl Gibson said.
The hooker made his NSW debut in 2009 and received 22 caps during a time where he played a supporting role to Adam Freier and Tatafu Polota-Nau and is renowned as a mobile ball-runner and leader.
He had the opportunity to lead his country as captain of the Australian Schoolboys in an undefeated campaign in 2008 against England, Samoa and New Zealand alongside the likes of Rob Horne, Matt Toomua, James O'Connor and James Slipper.
His form during that Series saw him being picked up by the Waratahs before he was handed the captaincy of the Australian Under 20 Junior World Cup Team during his professional debut year in 2009.
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