By Jonathan B Geddes

WALLABY forward Matt Philip took the first step towards fulfilling his dream of playing against the British and Irish Lions by making a surprise return for Sydney University in Saturday’s 41-31 Shute Shield loss to Gordon at Chatswood Oval.

It was the 31-year-old lock’s first run after returning to Australia following two seasons in Japan with the Yokohama Canon Eagles.

That 63 minutes Philip spent on the field, getting through plenty of the grunt work in the forward exchanges, was just what he needed as he joined the Wallaby camp on Sunday as part of the extended squad.

Philip, who has already won 31 Wallaby caps, is focused on getting a crack at the touring Lions.

“It would definitely be my biggest achievement so far, it happens once every 12 years,” Philip told Rugby News after Saturday’s game.  

He last represented the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup before heading to Japan and will be a valuable Waratahs’ signing for the next two seasons, 

“I’d love to be it that national frame again, but obviously a lot of things have to happen before then,” Philip said. “I’ve got to train well, prepare well and put my best foot forward at the Waratahs first.”           

There is a big possibility Philip will play for the Waratahs in their clash with the Lions if he’s not on Wallabies’ duty.

His inclusion would be a big boost for NSW in their showdown on July 5 at Allianz Stadium.  

HOME SWEET HOME

THE 199cm forward has returned home because the opportunities here excite him.

“There is so much going on in Australian rugby at the moment,” he said. “I thought  especially the first half of Super Rugby this season was really exciting to watch and I wanted to come back and be part of that.

“Then there is obviously the Lions and a home World Cup and the chance to maybe be involved in that.”      

Philip said playing in Japan has really benefited his game.

“For sure – it is really fast, athletic rugby, you’ve got to be super fit,” Philip said. “Their skill level is really good.

“It is definitely not a holiday – it’s a really good comp and there are some really good players there.”

 THE ACE OF CLUBS         

PHILIP was also delighted to be back playing in the Sydney premiership at the weekend.

“It’s awesome, it’s great to be part of the Shute Shield again, the competition that gave me so much,” Philip said.

“I’m really happy to come back and play. The crowd gave it to me a bit, but it was all good fun.”

Philip last regularly played Shute Shield in 2016 and then he had one game in 2019.

“I think the competition has got stronger as a whole,” he said. “A different team wins it every year now, a lot of different teams coming up to the top, dropping down to the bottom – and I think that is the sign of a really strong competition.”      

Before Saturday, Philip’s last game was six weeks ago in Japan.

“The lungs were feeling it the first 20 but I worked into it,” he said.

Considering the time he had off, it was a gutsy performance. 

Rugby Australia’s Director of High-Performance Peter Horne is glad to have Philip back in the local program.    

“Matt’s an experienced and proven Test player and to have him return to Australian Rugby is great for the depth across the system,” he said.

“It’s encouraging to see players currently overseas recognise the opportunities on the horizon in Australian Rugby and express their desire to represent the gold jersey on home soil.”