The Wallabies forward suffered finals heartbreak last season, with a knee injury keeping him sidelined for the pointy end of the Waratahs' championship year.

The skipper returned to his favoured position of blindside flanker against the Hurricanes in Wellington at the weekend, having spent much of the year covering for the Tahs in the second-row.

Retaining the hard-working lock is a big boost for incoming Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson as he works to shore up a roster facing several key departures at the end of this season.

Backline stars Israel Folau and Kurtley Beale are the biggest names yet to commit beyond 2015.

Prop Sekope Kepu, centre Adam Ashley-Cooper and wingers Peter Betham are all leaving to take up deals with overseas clubs.

Flanker Michael Hooper, halfback Nick Phipps, winger Rob Horne as well as props Benn Robinson and Paddy Ryan have re-signed.

smh.com.au