NSW Waratahs today confirmed the return of 27-year-old hooker Damien Fitzpatrick who has signed a two-year contract with his home side.

Born and raised in Sydney, Fitzpatrick has spent the last three years playing for Lyon, assisting the side to win two second division competitions, which earned them a place in the Top 14.

Prior to that he received 22 caps for NSW after making his debut for the Waratahs at the age of 20 back in 2009, where he played a key support role to Waratahs Adam Freier and Tatafu Polota-Nau.

Since returning to Australia earlier this year, Fitzpatrick has played with Eastwood and the Sydney Rays.

“Damien returns from France a much improved player,” Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said.

“He offers leadership potential and I’m sure he can really add to the team.

“His return increases competition for the hooking spot next season, which will challenge all three players to new heights.”

Before heading to France, Fitzpatrick played a key part in the side’s 2011 Shute Shield premiership. Renowned as a mobile ball-runner and leader, he has a line-up of experience at the helm of several teams.

Fitzpatrick represented NSW at the Australia Schools Championships, before being bestowed the opportunity to lead his country as Captain of the Australian Schoolboys in an undefeated campaign in 2008 against England, Samoa and New Zealand alongside the likes of Rob Horne, Matt Toomua, James O’Connor and James Slipper.

His form during the series saw him picked up by the Waratahs before he was again named skipper the Australian Under 20s Junior World Cup Team during his professional debut year in 2009.

Fitzpatrick started playing rugby for the Mosman Whales and is another product of the NSW rugby nursery, St Joseph’s College in Hunters Hill. He captained their first XV side in 2007 to an undefeated title win and the combined GPS First XV.