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Matt Giteau will leave the Wallabies and sign with French Rugby’s Toulon or Bayonne in a move to occur after the Rugby World Cup in October, 2011.
It has been reported by News Limited that Giteau will be playing his last season for the ACT Brumbies, and Wallabies.
Giteau, 28, has played 91 Tests for the Wallabies, and is currently Australia’s most-capped back in the game. However, he is no longer the powerhouse he once was for the Australian team. He has more recently struggled to fire under coach Robbie Deans, and has given up kicking duties following a poor run with the boot.
However, Giteau has been training well in Canberra, returning from the Christmas and New Year break early, and has enjoyed working with Brumbies attack coach Stephen Larkham who has returned from Japan.
Giteau is a part of the Brumbies leadership group alongside Rocky Elsom and Brumbies captain Stephen Hoiles.
”I still feel like I’ve got a lot more football left in me, whether that be here or overseas,” Giteau told the Canberra Times.
”For me, I’d like to make my decision as soon as possible … I’ll probably decide reasonably soon.
”Not for my own peace of mind, but for the Brumbies so it’s not a distraction and we can just concentrate on this 2011 season.
”Hopefully [there’s a decision] before the season starts, but you never know. I know I’d like to make that decision as soon as possible.”
Many Wallabies may not be in line for the World Cup in 2015 are said to be weighing up a lucrative European contract as the generational change sweeps through the team.
The ARU must decide what action it can take to keep Giteau and other senior Wallabies to prevent a mass exodus of experience following the Rugby World Cup.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.