Australian Rugby has reached agreement with Wallabies and Waratahs forward David Lyons to end his contract after the current Super 14 season.
The decision allows Lyons to take up a four-year offer from Welsh club Llanelli later this year.
Lyons was tied to Australian Rugby until the end of 2009 but ARU and NSW Rugby Union agreed to review his situation after an approach from the backrower’s manager Greg Keenan.
“Using our discretionary powers, we took a commercial decision to free David from his commitments in Australia from May 31,” an ARU spokesman said in a statement.
“In making this decision, we have taken into account the interests of all parties.
“He has given wonderful service to the Waratahs and Wallabies over a long period of time and we wish him well in his endeavours in Wales.”
Lyons has played 44 Tests, and appeared in two World Cups, after debuting for the Wallabies against Argentina in 2000.
He also became only the third player in Waratahs history – alongside Chris Whitaker and Matt Burke – to reach the milestone of 100 games during this season’s Super 14 series.
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Roger said | May 5th 2008 @ 10:29am | Report comment
A four year deal is amazing. You cant begrudge him taking it as it is a large contract in a english speaking country, and face it, back row stocks in OZ are very strong at the moment. Well done mini-melon!
DT said | May 6th 2008 @ 5:28am | Report comment
I wish him well in Wales, but I’ll always think of Lyons as “the one that got away”. He should have been the best no 8 in the world by now, with such amazing physical ability.
Good to see the ARU do the right thing by him.