ARU accidentally confirmed speculation of Phipps move.
A technical glitch was behind the premature posting of Nick Phipps’ move to the New South Wales Waratahs on the official ARU website, reports The Age.
The Australian Rugby Union accidentally posted the confirmation of Phipps’ move from the Melbourne rebels to the Waratahs on a two year deal ahead of schedule.
In an embarrassing episode for the ARU, the post was quickly deleted but could still be accessed via an internet search. The announcement was believed to have been scheduled for Saturday, after the Rebels round 5 match against the Cheetahs on Friday.
Reports of the move emerged last week when it was revealed Phipps had signed a letter of intent with the Waratahs, and confirmation was expected this week.
The defection will be a big blow for the Rebels who have seen the half-back grow into a international level competitor, who has made 12 appearances for the Wallabies.
The 24-year-old will be a contender for back-up behind a returning Will Genia in the Wallabies British and Irish Lions tour in June.
Speculation has risen that Phipps was unhappy the Rebels had been chasing former Waratahs and Wallabies No. 9 Luke Burgess from French Rugby. Phipps will join the Waratahs in 2014 on a two-year contract.
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