Former Wallabies flyhalf Bernard Foley has officially rejoined the New South Wales Waratahs, expressing openness to the possibility of returning to international rugby with the Australian national team. Foley, 36, along with fellow veteran Nick Phipps, 37, were unveiled as part of the Waratahs squad for the 2027 Super Rugby season on Thursday, marking their returns to the club where both played pivotal roles in securing a title 12 years ago.

Both players spent recent years competing in Japan’s Top League—Foley with Kubota Spears, where he led the team to its inaugural championship in 2023, and Phipps with Green Rockets Tokatsu—before deciding to return to Australian rugby. Foley acknowledged that while retirement was recently considered, representing Australia again remains a possibility.

“(I’d be) lying if it’s not on the radar or it’s not thought about,” Foley said. He outlined the steps ahead, emphasizing the need to complete a successful preseason and Super Rugby campaign before contemplating a return to the Wallabies, especially with the prospect of a home World Cup approaching. Foley last played for Australia in 2022 but was overlooked for the Rugby World Cup squad by then-coach Eddie Jones, who prioritized younger players. Phipps’ last international appearance came in 2019.

“There’s not that many players in front of you if you can go and have a good season,” Foley added. However, he noted he has not yet engaged with Wallabies management regarding national selection, focusing first on regaining top form with the Waratahs.

Both veterans face the challenge of revitalizing the Waratahs after a disappointing 2026 season in which the team recorded just five wins and parted ways with coach Dan McKellar. Foley expressed enthusiasm about aligning with Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, the young and versatile back who faced an inconsistent season at outside centre with limited opportunities.

“I’d just love to free him up. If teams are going to kick, let’s put him at the back so he can touch the ball as often as possible,” Foley said, highlighting Suaalii’s skills in creating space, running, and offloading. He further suggested evolving Suaalii’s role beyond the traditional outside centre position, envisioning fluid backline dynamics to maximize his impact.

Phipps underscored the value of experience that both he and Foley can bring to a relatively young Waratahs squad. “When we were at the Tahs last time, we were so lucky to have a lot of older guys come through, (they) were reliable when they played, but they were really good for the squad,” he said. “That’s something that really lured me to come back and be that guy.” He sees their leadership as a means to help develop younger players and rebuild a winning culture.

The Waratahs hope the return of Foley and Phipps will provide both on-field skill and veteran guidance as the club strives to rebound in the upcoming season.