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RugbyWA wishes to provide greater clarity on information presented in today’s article under the headline ‘Giteau Bombshell’ in the West Australian newspaper.
The article implies that RugbyWA had “facilitated a compromise arrangement” for Matt Giteau to offset his financial loss due to the demise of his personal sponsor Firepower on the condition that he extends his contract with the Emirates Western Force for 2010 and 2011.
While RugbyWA has facilitated, with the permission of the ARU, an arrangement with a company to offset Matt’s losses for 2008 and 2009, it has not been party to any offers made for the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
The article also states that “Giteau felt the Force had an obligation to make good on the promises which lured him to Perth”.
RugbyWA wishes to clarify that it has honoured all contractual commitments to Matt and is not responsible for arrangements made between a player and a personal sponsor separate to his contract with the club.
RugbyWA is committed to ensuring the welfare of all its employees and as a responsible employer has assisted Matt to mitigate his financial losses for the period of his current contract with the club, as it did for other players affected by the failure of Firepower, including Cameron Shepherd, Scott Staniforth, Ryan Cross and Drew Mitchell.
It is important to note that under ARU contracting protocols, RugbyWA is forbidden to make payments to players to offset the loss of any arrangement with a ‘third party’ or personal sponsor.
RugbyWA CEO Greg Harris said Giteau would remain a key player for the Emirates Western Force in 2009.
“Matt is an extremely valuable member of our team who is adored by the supporters and we’d like to think he’ll honour his commitments with the Emirates Western Force in 2009,” said Harris.
“At this stage we have no indication that Matt wishes to be released from his contract and we are approaching things as business as usual,” he said.
“Obviously Matt is one of finest players in the country and an integral member of our organisation and we’d love to keep him here in Perth well beyond next season.”