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Drew Mitchell has signed a two-year contract with the NSW Waratahs which ties him to the Sydney franchise and the Australian Rugby Union until after the 2011 World Cup.

Wing Mitchell (pictured), who played for the Western Force in Super 14 last term, made his Wallabies debut in 2005 and is regarded as a key member of Robbie Deans' squad.

The 25-year-old said: "I've known what I've been doing for a few months - it's just been a matter of getting all the paperwork in place which I've done now.

"It's been quite fun coming in and doing a lot of the weights sessions in the Waratahs gym when we're in Wallabies camp, knowing I'll be back here a lot more regularly for the next couple of years.

"It's an exciting move for me. The Waratahs obviously have an amazing history but are still chasing that first Super Rugby title, and hopefully I can be a part of that happening."

Waratahs head coach Chris Hickey said the acquisition of Mitchell would be one of the most significant off-season transfers in the Super 14.

"Drew is a fantastic footballer who has done the job for the Reds, the Force and the Wallabies whenever he's been asked," said Hickey.

"His versatility between full-back and wing works in well with our style of play and it is clearly a role he revels in for the Wallabies as well.

"We had an eye on Drew as soon as we knew he was off contract and right from the start he indicated he would really enjoy a move to Sydney to be part of the Waratahs set-up.

"He's spent a lot of time using our facilities with the Wallabies and he's obviously spoken with a lot of our players within the Wallabies program. Over the past few months it's just been a matter of dotting the I's and crossing the T's, but it's nice to now officially be able to call Drew a Waratah."

PA Sport