Wallabies and New South Wales Waratahs prop Matt Dunning will continue with his rugby career Down Under, after signing a new two-year contract with Australian Rugby Union (ARU) and the Waratahs.
Dunning, who started at loosehead prop for the Wallabies in the Tri-Nations loss against South Africa in Cape Town last Saturday, has secured his future in the game for the 2008 and 2009 seasons.
The 28-year-old has earned 76 Super Rugby caps for the Waratahs and has played 29 Tests for the Wallabies since making his debut against Namibia in Adelaide at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Wallabies coach John Connolly praised Dunning’s efforts in resurrecting his Test career after the Canadian-born prop spent the 2006 season in the rugby wilderness.
“I think Matt has unlimited potential and has done very well to get his Test career back on track,” said Connolly.
Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie praised Dunning for his persistence and hard work.
“Matt has had to put in a lot of hard work over the last 12 months and it’s pleasing to see him reaping the rewards now,” said McKenzie.
“To his credit he stuck to his guns through some pretty tough times and has come out the other end a better, more complete player.
“The Waratahs never lost faith in his ability to perform at the highest level and his form over the second half of the Super 14 and in Test rugby has justified that belief.
“Matt’s decision to re-sign certainly gives the Waratahs substantial depth across what is a vital position on the field.”
Dunning, who started at loosehead prop for the Wallabies in the Tri-Nations loss against South Africa in Cape Town last Saturday, has secured his future in the game for the 2008 and 2009 seasons.
The 28-year-old has earned 76 Super Rugby caps for the Waratahs and has played 29 Tests for the Wallabies since making his debut against Namibia in Adelaide at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Wallabies coach John Connolly praised Dunning’s efforts in resurrecting his Test career after the Canadian-born prop spent the 2006 season in the rugby wilderness.
“I think Matt has unlimited potential and has done very well to get his Test career back on track,” said Connolly.
Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie praised Dunning for his persistence and hard work.
“Matt has had to put in a lot of hard work over the last 12 months and it’s pleasing to see him reaping the rewards now,” said McKenzie.
“To his credit he stuck to his guns through some pretty tough times and has come out the other end a better, more complete player.
“The Waratahs never lost faith in his ability to perform at the highest level and his form over the second half of the Super 14 and in Test rugby has justified that belief.
“Matt’s decision to re-sign certainly gives the Waratahs substantial depth across what is a vital position on the field.”
365 Digital
