Randwick Legend returns to the HSBC Waratahs

Wicks Wallaby flanker Rocky Elsom will make a welcome return to NSW in 2012, agreeing to terms with the HSBC Waratahs and Australian Rugby Union on a new two-year deal.
Elsom appeared in the sky blue jersey in 66 matches between 2003 and 2008, including two Super Rugby Finals, before heading to Europe where he won the Heineken Cup with Leinster in 2009.
Shortly after his return to Australia, Elsom was named Wallabies captain and spent the last two seasons with the Brumbies before announcing his return to Sydney next year.
A product of Queensland's Nudgee College, Elsom moved to rugby league before joining the HSBC Waratahs who played a major role in his development into an international flanker.
Head coach Michael Foley says the acquisition of Elsom further strengthens an already impressive playing roster.
"When you're recruiting you're always looking for the best players to fill vacancies in your squad and when Rocky came off contact we knew he was the best person to fill that back row place we had available," said Foley. "Rocky is a very special player; he has a great skill set and when he is at his best there's no doubt that he's one of the leading backrowers in the world.
"The fact that he has played at a number of teams now and decided to return to NSW shows he has a lot of belief in where this squad can go in the next couple of years. It'll be great to have him back in Sydney playing in front of our passionate members and sponsors.
"Most of our starting players have been involved in the national program so there won't be any problem with Rocky slotting straight back into the squad and as someone who has captained Australia we'll be looking to him to bring those leadership skills to the team."
HSBC Waratahs Memberships went on sale last week with an exciting draw ahead in 2012 including two afternoon fixtures and home games against the Crusaders, Bulls, Sharks, Hurricanes and the other four Australian teams. For more information visit http://www.waratahs.com.au/Waratahs/Membership.aspx.

ROCKY ELSOM
Born: 14 February 1983 in Melbourne, VIC
Physical: 197cm, 106kg
Position: Flanker
School: St Joseph's Nudgee College, QLD
Club: Randwick
Provincial Caps: 100 [HSBC Waratahs 66, Leinster 21, Brumbies 13]
Provincial Points: 95 [HSBC Waratahs 50 (10t), Leinster 30 (6t), Brumbies 15 (3t)]
Provincial Debut: 2003 v Blues
Super Rugby Caps: 79 [HSBC Waratahs 66, Brumbies 13]
Super Rugby Points: 65 [HSBC Waratahs 50 (10t), Brumbies 15 (3t)]
Super Rugby Debut: 2003 v Blues
Test Caps: 70
Test Points: 70 [14t]
Test Debut: 2005 v Samoa