After more than a decade since first walking into the NSW Waratahs’ base as a fresh-faced hopeful, Matt Philip today faces the prospect of a debut for the side.
It could not come on a grander stage than against the British & Irish Lions at a packed Allianz Stadium at Moore Park in Sydney on Saturday night.
“I could not be happier. I was first here in about 2014. I didn’t get a shot then… so it took me a long time, over ten years. I’m happy to be here in the building.”
The experienced lock returns to Australian rugby after playing in Japan, armed with a two-year deal at the NSW Waratahs and a deep sense of gratitude.
Philip last played for the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and is eager to earn his way back into the green and gold.
First there’s unfinished business at the NSW Waratahs, and if named in the side on Thursday it will start with a match that is played once every twelve years.
“You can’t not lean into the occasion," Philip said.
"This is only once every twelve years. The World Cup is once every four years.
"This would be the biggest game of my career.
“The adage, ‘don’t treat any game differently’ …. It is hard not too, in my eyes.
“It's exciting. It's going to be a sold-out stadium. Lots of my friends and families have bought tickets months in advance to come and support the Waratahs.
For Philip, the Lions match is the start of a new chapter in his journey; fueled by unfinished dreams, renewed ambition, and deep connection to Sydney.
“It played a big part in the decision to come back to Australia,” Philip said.
“We have the Lions [series]. There is a home World Cup [in 2027] as well; and obviously playing at home for the Waratahs.
“So, for me it was a pretty easy decision for me to come back to the Waratahs.”
Since returning to NSW, Philip has embraced the standards demanded of Head Coach Dan McKellar who he has some history with from Wallabies camps.
“I have worked With Dan with the Wallabies. I know he has really high standards, really high expectations. It is nothing different to what I expected.
“He is a world class coach, highly sought after coach; and that is the reason.
“Lots of coaches have good knowledge and detail around the game, but his ability to implement that with the detail and intensity is his point of difference.”
Philip is under no illusions about the scale of Saturday night’s challenge.
He is eyeing up a Lions forward pack that boasts immense size, skill, and pedigree — not least England lock and Lions tour captain Maro Itoje.
“I always like playing against someone like Itoje. He is one of the top players in my position,” he said.
“They have also got some other big skilled forwards in that forward pack.
“It’s going to be a great challenge.”
With the NSW Waratahs regrouping after a Super Rugby Pacific tilt that ended with them missing the finals, Saturday is a chance for the team to lay a marker.
It is also an chance for Philip to leave an imprint on the team looking forward.
“I am a lot more experienced now than when I was first here," Philip said.
"I have played all over the world now, internationally and for different clubs.
“I think I can bring that experience and a bit of enthusiasm, a bit of energy.
“Playing for the Waratahs is a big deal for me.
"Every day I am going to be grateful for being here because I know what is like to not be in here and wish you were in here.
“I think that kind of energy and gratitude I can bring to the jersey.”
The prospect of Wallabies selection under head coach Joe Schmidt lingers in the background, but Philip says it is not his primary motivation for Saturday.
“I spent some time last week, in the [Wallabies] camp ... to get a taste of what it is like under Joe Schmidt. I want to be back in there,” he said.
“But I would love just to get a win for the Tahs for Sydney.
"I am a Sydney boy, grew up [with] the Tahs as my favourite team. So, a win for the Tahs is my priority.”
If that win comes before a packed house at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night, that decade-long wait to play for the NSW Waratahs will feel more than worth it.
Where: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park, Sydney
When: Saturday, 5 July, 2025
Kick-off: 8pm (AEST)
Limited Tickets available. To purchase, click HERE
The game will be televised LIVE on Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
