The NSW Waratahs today announced the signing of fly-half Bryce Hegarty who has been added to the main squad for the 2016 season.

The 23-year old earned 33 Super Rugby caps over three years at the Melbourne Rebels, before joining Japanese Top League club Toyota Shokki Shuttles last year.

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said Hegarty was a solid fly-half who will be a welcome addition to the Waratahs backline this year.

“Bryce has excellent skills and experience, with two years of Super Rugby as a fly-half under his belt.

“He is a solid all-rounder, capable of playing at 10 or full-back, which will give our back-line extra options.

“He is a great addition to the squad and I think our system will suit his style of play,” Gibson said.

Hegarty played his first Super Rugby match back in May 2013 as the youngest member of the Melbourne Rebels, at 21 years of age.

He was called upon to make his run-on debut just one week later against the Storrmers in what was an impressive opening season that saw him named Rebel Rising Player of the Year.

He stepped up the following year, cementing his place as a regular in the squad, starring in all but one match in 2014 as he added to his point-scoring tally.

Bryce also started his professional sporting career with the Brisbane Broncos in the Under 20s in 2011 and 2012 before signing his first Super Rugby contract.

Hegarty recently returned home from Japan, joining the NSW Waratahs in training ahead of three pre-season trial matches and their round one 2016 Super Rugby match against the Queensland Reds on Saturday 27^th February at Allianz Stadium.