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Australian Rugby Union has today re-signed star Wallabies and Emirates Western Force playmaker Matt Giteau until the end of the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
The two-season extension to his current agreement positions the 25-year-old to take on a key long-term role with the “new generation” Wallabies.
“I’m still at a relatively young age and feel my best Rugby is still ahead of me,” Giteau said.
“So it’s really exciting to secure my future at a time when a few of the long-serving guys like George Gregan and Stephen Larkham have gone and so many new players are coming through.
“The 2011 Rugby World Cup was definitely important in this decision.
“There was also a feeling that if I do want to play at my best then I need to play in the best competitions.
“Super 14, Tri Nations and the World Cup as a member of the Wallabies fit that bill for me, so it was easy in the end to say that I want to stay in Australia.”
As part of his new deal, Giteau has signed on to stay with the Emirates Western Force.
But he does have the option to consider offers from other Australian Super 14 sides before the provincial component of his contract kicks in for 2010 and 2011.
Giteau said he had no intention of leaving Perth, where he now holds the Force vice-captaincy behind skipper Nathan Sharpe.
“I have really enjoyed my first year and a half with the Emirates Western Force and I’m very keen to continue with the Club beyond next season,” said Giteau.
“I’m contracted with the Emirates Western Force until the end of 2009 and right now I’m concentrating on doing my best to help the team achieve the best results on the field.”
“The signing of Nathan Sharpe last week was a massive boost for the team and the future looks very bright with some of the young players that have stepped up to Super 14 level this season,” he said.
“I am very excited about the direction of the team and feel that we have the talent in our squad to be a serious contender in the Super 14 for years to come.”
After making his Wallabies debut before playing a Super 14 match, Giteau has gone on to play 51 Tests and become one of the national team’s senior players.
FACT FILE
Matt Giteau
Position: Flyhalf, Inside Centre
Physical: 1.78m, 85kg
Age: 25
Test Caps: 51
Test Points: 259 (20t, 39c, 26p, 1dg)
Test Debut: 2002 v England
Super 14 Caps: 56 (40 Brumbies, 16 Force)
Super 14 Points: 249 (23t, 28c, 26p)
Super 14 Debut: 2000 v Sharks (Brumbies)