Wallabies prop Paddy Ryan has re-signed with the Waratahs through until the end of the 2016 Super Rugby season.
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Ryan debuted for the Waratahs in 2011 and will now go on to a play a sixth season with the New South Wales outfit.
“I’m a proud New South Welshman and there are more exciting times ahead for us here,” Ryan said in a Waratahs statement.
“The club has changed a lot during my time here and I am pleased that my role in helping build a legacy will continue.
“The signing of Daryl Gibson as the head coach for next year and the re-signing of a number of our key players provides us all with plenty of confidence for the future.”
The 26-year-old is a highly rated scrummager and made his professional debut for the Waratahs following impressive performances in the Shute Shield in 2011.
Ryan made his Wallabies debut in the first match of the 2012 Spring Tour against France despite making just 13 appearances at Super Rugby level with the Waratahs.
He has gone on to make 44 Test appearances for Australia and looks likely to hold his spot for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in August.
Incoming head coach Daryl Gibson said Ryan is a pivotal figure in the Waratahs squad.
With Sekope Kepu and Wycliff Palu set to leave the team, Gibson says Ryan’s experience will be called upon next season.
“This is a great opportunity for Paddy to step up and establish himself as the senior tight head prop in the team, and re-signing to the Waratahs demonstrates his commitment to the team’s values and culture.” Gibson said.
“With a number of senior leaders in the squad moving on, Paddy’s experience will be very important for the broader squad to draw upon.”
The Waratahs currently sit second in the Super Rugby Australian conference and 10th overall.
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