Phipps off to the Tahs

Rebels key scrumhalf Nick Phipps is making the move to the Waratahs for the next two years it has been confirmed by the Australian Rugby Union (ARU).

The confirmation comes after an ARU press release suggested that the scrumhalf had signed a deal with the Sydney based side. This press release was later removed from the Waratahs website but one could still access an inactive link on their website on Tuesday that confirmed the signing.

This confirmation comes after an ARU spokeman told the Sydney Morning Herald that the confirmation was: "To be made in the coming days."

This loss will be massive for the Rebels who have relied heavily on the scrumhalf in the opening rounds of the season and any Wallaby experience will be missed in the coming seasons.

There has been speculation that Phipps is unhappy at the Rebels due to the potential pursuit of former Waratahs scrumhalf Luke Burgess – who is currently playing for Toulouse in France.

There is further speculation that Phipps has priced himself too high for the Rebels to retain his services.