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Emirates Western Force flyhalf Matt Giteau will return to the CA Brumbies next season, having agreed to a two-year deal with the Canberra-based team for the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
The 25-year-old fielded generous offers from the Emirates Western Force and CA Brumbies, but ultimately chose the latter in order to return home and be closer to family and friends.
"I was very fortunate to have two fantastic offers to consider. In the end it came down to a simple desire to return to Canberra," the 65-Test veteran explained.
Giteau, who has played 26 matches for the Emirates Western Force after joining the side in 2007, said he had deliberated long and hard over his future at provincial level.
“Having committed to the Wallabies and Australian Rugby until the end of 2011, it was just my Super 14 future that I needed to consider,” he said.
"I have had a great time over here and I've really enjoyed living in Perth. I've been lucky enough to play with a great bunch of players and in front of some of the best fans in the country.”
"I want to thank the people of Perth, my teammates and the Emirates Western Force for their support over the last few years."
"Now the decision has been made, it's great to be able to focus entirely on playing for the Force and working hard to break through for our first finals campaign. As a team we are hungry for that success and I am fully committed to delivering us those results.”
RugbyWA CEO Greg Harris said the organisation was appreciative of Matt’s contribution to the Emirates Western Force both on and off the field, but will continue to look to the future.
“Matt has been a wonderful contributor to the organisation and we’ve been very fortunate to have the services of a player of his calibre to help to establish our brand and our standing in the game,” said Harris.
“Obviously we would have loved to have kept Matt at the Emirates Western Force but respect his personal position and the reasons for his decision to return to Canberra in 2010.”
“It is a blow for the Emirates Western Force however where one door closes, another one opens and Matt’s departure will provide an opportunity for someone like a James O’Connor to step forward and assume a more influential role in our team.”
Brumbies Rugby CEO Andrew Fagan said his organisation welcomed the return of the local ACT product.
“Matt left the CA Brumbies on good terms and we wished him all the best, but we made no secret about our desire to see him back in CA Brumbies colours.
Matt is a local product who rose through our development program to become an integral member of the Wallabies and it will be great to have him back in a CA Brumbies jersey to represent the region he is so fond of,” said Fagan.
“Matt Giteau is a rugby superstar and one of the highest profile sportspeople in this country. His return is a huge vote of confidence in the CA Brumbies program and great news for Canberra and Brumbies Rugby.”