Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) chief executive Jim Carmichael has lashed out at French Top 14 side Stade Francais after confirming Will Genia will join Australian rugby’s overseas exodus.
Genia had long been linked to a move abroad but Carmichael said comments from Stade Francais president Thomas Savare to a French radio station forced the official announcement to be brought forward – against the wishes of the player and the Reds.
“Although Will and I confirmed this decision some time ago, he had made it clear to us that he didn’t want anything to disrupt his final season with the Reds and his teammates,” Carmichael said.
“As a consequence, the QRU is extremely disappointed that the comments made in France overnight have denied a player of Will’s standing, in Super Rugby and internationally, the opportunity to inform his teammates, supporters and the admirers he has throughout Australian Rugby, in the appropriate fashion as planned.”
Genia will link up with the French outfit at the end of the Rugby World Cup in October, becoming the latest in a long line of Wallabies stars to leave Australia next year.
The 27-year-old, after spending his entire Super Rugby career with the Reds, said it was a decision he had agonised over, but one he arrived at following the birth of his first child.
“Having our first baby, Olivia, has changed my perspective and (my wife) Vanessa and I decided we wanted to experience life in a different part of the world,” he said.
“I’m thankful for the opportunities the Reds and the broader game of rugby have given me but, at this stage of my career, I decided that it was the right time to make the move.
“I’ve loved my time in Queensland. I love this state and this team and playing at Suncorp Stadium in the Reds’ jersey are some of my fondest memories in the game.”
Carmichael said the QRU was saddened to lose Genia, but said he had the organisation’s complete understanding and support.
“We only wish the very best for him and he goes with our gratitude and respect as he moves on to the next stage of his life, both professionally and personally,” he said.
Genia’s departure opens the door for reserve half Nick Frisby to become Queensland’s first-choice No.9 in 2015.
The Bush
Roar Guru
As a Reds fan it's hard to say that when these guys are acting like rats fleeing the sinking ship. The problem for Genia is his form has been off for years and it just doesn't make sense - this guy is 27, he should be at his peak, not on the downward spiral. The same goes for Horwill. I do hope Genia has success in France though, hardly wish the bloke ill. Thing is, Genia is so young he might turn up again in Australia before the 2019 World Cup...
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
The Reds won 3 out of 13 games in 2009. The only regularity was losing. They're 3 wins were the Cheetahs (14th), Sharks (6th) and Blues (9th), with only the Blues away. When you are 13th, almost every body is more fancied. For the record, they also suffered these large losses: 50-26 - Chiefs (2nd) 39-7 - Force (8th) 31-20 - Lions (12th) 52-13 - Brumbies (7th) 32-12 - Crusaders (4th) 37-28 - Hurricanes (3rd) 6 of their 13 games they gave up 30 points or more and only 2 of those games they scored over 20. The Reds showed promise in 2009, but Mooney was let go for one reason only, because he was unable to get them to win games.
dru
Roar Rookie
I've been asking the same question. Let's hope so, or he's in a great position to be demanding.
kipper
Roar Rookie
Not a reds fan peterk but even I was screaming at the TV when he made that break in the final.against the crusaders
PeterK
Roar Guru
True, and at one staged he was the best half in the world (IMO). He did give a lot of years service. He helped bring a title to the reds and entertained a lot of people.
kipper
Roar Rookie
Wow. So many negative comments. Thought there might be ONE reds fan who says something like "thanks for all your years of service Will, good luck in France" it seems not
RobC
Roar Guru
I wonder if Jim Carmichael slammed Jim Horwill. Or who is the replacement after he jimmys Graham.
bradm
Guest
Great, Ginea is off, the Reds season is well and truly dusted, so its about time we look to next year. In my opinion, Ginea can warm the bench and let Frisby run on and get some well earned game time..........Hang on.... Is Frisby signed for next year?
bradm
Guest
Your incorrect TWAS, Eddie Jones had them playing losing rugby, Phil Mooney turned the team around, where they were playing exciting rugby and regulary knocking off more fancied opposition.
PeterK
Roar Guru
wow talk about deflection from the dreadful mess of the reds. Somehow blame the tahs for their woes. This thread is about the reds no need to spew your vitriol at the tahs because you are hurting.
Bear
Guest
Carmichael new months ago that Genia was going to Stade Francias. Genia told him. It even states that in the article. Carmichael never at any stage said that he wasn't aware of the move. In fact, i am sure that he would have been one of the first that Genia told. So dah, i guess it was obvious Einstein. The reds CEO is just pissed off that Stade Fracias broke there agreement with Genia not to anounce the signing until the end of the super rugby season.
Bakkies
Guest
Giteau has been one of the top players in Europe the past few seasons. Playing like he did when first come on to the scene for the Brumbies. Digby has done sweet fa.
Bakkies
Guest
Well said Jack.
Daz
Guest
When you have a team whether it's in business or in sport who are not as good as the opposition you have to keep talking them up. You have to instill confidence in the hope they will lift themselves up by their bootstraps and succeed. The smallest criticism can be malignant. When you have a team like the Reds, full of stars and who on their day are capable of beating anyone you need to tell them the truth. The truth right now is that they are under-performing and letting themselves down. Someone needs to stand up and tell them that and give them a good kick right up the proverbial and pull some overblown egos into line. For God's sake Horwill singlehandedly lost that game to the Rebels and it's not the first one. Graham needs to dispense some tough love but I don't think it's in him.
pjm
Roar Rookie
He realised you can earn the same money with half the effort.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
I'd not bother doin' so much feelin', Not Bothered, and just read what I wrote 'cos that's all I'm sayin', you know what I mean? I've seen the name "Simon Livingstone" but I'm pluggered if I can remember where.
Not Bothered
Guest
Too bad that the top 14 has about 6 teams better than the Reds.
Not Bothered
Guest
I get the feeling you dont like JOC, Beale and Cooper. I also get the feeling you dont rate the ARU. Kinda like a get a feeling Simon Livingstone wants OS selections and imports.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Maybe he should get a job as a recruiter.
pjm
Roar Rookie
The only problem is that he's following the downward trajectory of the team.