Waratahs re-signed injured Hegarty

The 24-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Waratahs in January and earned two caps before suffering a season-ending ACL injury against the Brumbies.

The utility back has previous Super Rugby experience, having played 33 matches for the Rebels, securing 49 points for the franchise, including seven tries.

Hegarty joined the Waratahs after a stint in the Japanese Top League.

Having recently started running, Hegarty will be ready in time for the 2017 pre-season.

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said he was keen to see Hegarty back on the park for the franchise.

"Bryce has been working hard on his rehabilitation and returning as a better athlete," Gibson said.

"His season was cruelly cut short this year, but he is on track for a return in pre-season and is keen to perform for the team in 2017.

"Bryce brings a lot of experience and guidance in a position where, nationally, depth is being tested. So I'm really looking forward to how he can add to the new energy of the team next season."

Hegarty made a name for himself due to his pace and accurate kicking game.

He made his debut for the Rebels in May 2013 against the Blues as the youngest member of the squad.

However, at the age of 20, he was named to make his run-on debut against the Stormers in an opening season that saw him score two tries in a come-from-behind victory against the Highlanders.

In 2014, he missed just one match and continued to score tries before being named the Rebel Rising Player of the Year.

Hegarty is the son of Steve Hegarty who played in the Brisbane Broncos Under-20's team for three years.