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In a “bittersweet” day for the Queensland Reds, the Super 14 franchise lost their skipper Sam Cordingley but re-signed in-form winger Peter Hynes for an additional two years.
Cordingley, who is battling a lingering calf injury, will join French second division club Grenoble on a two-and-a-half year deal.
The Wallabies halfback informed club officials of his decision today, leaving a gaping hole in the Queensland leadership ranks for next season.
“It is disappointing,” Reds coach Phil Mooney told AAP tonight.
“He is a senior player in what is a pretty young side.
“It was disappointing that we lose experience there.
“It’s been one of those bittersweet days. Peter Hynes re-signed with us today (until the end of 2010), so that was good news, but that’s been soured to a degree by Sam going overseas.”
It’s a big blow for the 10th-placed Reds, who will lose fullback Chris Latham and hooker Stephen Moore and possibly winger Clinton Schifcofske at the end of this season.
“We knew Chris was leaving so we started to put measures in place to groom the next generation of leaders within the team,” Mooney pointed out.
“With Sam being injured this year, that process was accelerated.
“I guess the French offer was pretty enticing to Sam and being his last contract and having a young family, it did come down to the best financial package.”
Cordingley’s decision effectively ends the 32-year-old’s Test career after 14 appearances for the Wallabies, mainly off the bench.
“The conversations I’ve had with him, he’s got a pretty strong desire to play for the Wallabies and I know it’s not something he took for granted,” Mooney said.
“I’m sure that would’ve made the decision (to play in France) even tougher.”
Mooney expects youngsters James Horwill, Berrick Barnes and Quade Cooper to fill the leadership void about to be left by the departures of Cordingley and Latham.
It is hoped Cordingley can make a comeback for Queensland’s penultimate match against the Crusaders on May 10 while Latham is aiming to return the following week for the interstate grudge match against NSW.
“I guess we might get a little more out of those two because they’ve got such a short time left in the (Reds) jersey,” Mooney said.
Hynes, who made his Queensland debut in 2003, has scored 10 tries in 52 Super 14 appearances for the Reds, who take on the Blues at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
“I’m really enjoying my rugby with the Reds,” said Hynes.
“Our backline is creating a lot of space which is tremendous for me as a winger.”
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.