The NSW Waratahs have re-signed Northern Suburbs loose forward, Hugh Sinclair for the 2020 Super Rugby season.
Sinclair – who notched his 100th appearance in the Shute Shield in 2019 – has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal.
An integral part of the Shoremen’s drought-breaking premiership in 2016, Sinclair earned a contract with the Melbourne Rebels in 2017 off the back of strong performances in the National Rugby Championship (NRC).
He returned to his home state in 2018 and continued to ply his trade in the NRC, then making a handful of appearances for the NSW Waratahs in 2019 as injury cover.
Those efforts in Super Rugby, coupled with another strong season in the Shute Shield will see Sinclair re-join teammates in November to start pre-season under Rob Penney.
The newly appointed NSW Waratahs Head Coach said that securing the signature of players such as Sinclair was important for his side’s connection with Sydney’s premier club competition.
“We want players to see that there is a pathway from the Shute Shield to Super Rugby, Hugh is an excellent example of that,” Penney said.
“He’s had some Super Rugby experience which will be beneficial for him heading into 2020, but ultimately we want players from right across Sydney to feel that there is reward [to progress] if they play well for their club.
“The Shute Shield is the best club rugby competition in the country and from all reports Hugh has been consistently within the best group of players year-in-year-out – consistency deserves reward and he’ll be a valuable addition to our squad.”
Sinclair said he was happy to be returning to the NSW Waratahs.
“It’s an exciting time be around the [NSW] Waratahs,” Sinclair said.
“There’s been some change within the squad, a new coach and I’m thankful that Tim [Rapp] and Rob have given me the opportunity to be a part of the journey.
“I’ve had the chance to refresh after last season and now I’m really looking forward to getting started in pre-season to prepare for 2020.”
Sinclair will continue his long-standing involvement with Northern Suburbs in the Shute Shield.
