Will Genia has confirmed his playing future, signing a two-year deal with Australian rugby that will see him play his Super Rugby with the Melbourne Rebels.
The deal ensures the 29-year-old remains with the Wallabies until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
While Genia’s return to Australia, after playing with Stade Francais since the last World Cup, is no great surprise, but it was initially thought the Wallabies vice-captain would link up with his former club, the Queensland Reds, on his return to Super Rugby.
However, with reports emerging in the past few weeks that the experienced scrum-half would be headed to Melbourne instead, Genia today confirmed the news, saying he was looking forward to playing with the Rebels.
“I’m really looking forward to joining the guys down in Melbourne, they have a great young team with plenty still to achieve in Super Rugby, so I’m excited to get stuck in in 2018,” Genia said.
“First and foremost I’m there to contribute to the desired success of the club on the field through my performance and ability as a player. After that, it’ll be a great chance to bring some of the things I’ve learned over the years to the club, and help drive the club forward.
“I was always clear that I wanted to return to Australian rugby. I love playing for my country and can’t wait to have another opportunity to pull on the gold jersey this weekend.”
Since making his Super Rugby debut in 2007 for the Reds, Genia has gained a wealth of experience. The scrum-half made 114 appearances for the Queensland side, including a starring performance in their 2011 Super Rugby final victory over the Crusaders, and has earned 78 caps for the Wallabies.
Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson hailed the signing, saying Genia will add plenty to a Melbourne side which struggled badly in 2017.
“Will is a proven winner who has performed consistently in every team has has played in at Super Rugby, European and international level,” Stephenson said.
“We are delighted he will join the Rebels and have great confidence that his skill set, experience and leadership will complement our squad very well.”
Before he links up with his new teammates, Genia will first hope to play a major role in Australia’s busy Test schedule, with the Wallabies’ first Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup Test of the year to take place this Saturday, against the All Blacks in Sydney.
Sam
Guest
I actually spoke with Nick Phipps on the fence line after his last game of the season he left. He seemed somewhat philosophical with the move at the time. My gripe is that the Rebels signed the aging Burgess seemingly so Deans could have him available for the Lions tour that year, at the behest of the ARU. If I was Phipps I'd probably have done the same. On face value the circumstances seem familiar but Strizaker has already re-committed.
Redstar
Guest
There are 3 good half backs looking for a job in Australia - Ruru, Louwrens and Prior. What does the ARU do? Make the Rebels sign a fading star for big bucks. That money could have been used to allow kids to play much cheaper in WA, SA, NT, TAS next year a peace offering to the rugby community.
John R
Roar Guru
They did keep Stirzaker.
Train Without A Station
Guest
But none of them have played 10 for the Force this year. Only Peter Grant (SA import) and Jono Lance (QLD import). It seems they let Jooste, Holmes and co go and preferred these two imports.
AndyS
Guest
The numbers I provided are directly out of the 2015 Annual report, note 3. They were quite specific about what they spent on Super Rugby and what it was earmarked for. It most definitely doesn't just go to player salaries.
Train Without A Station
Guest
Probably closer to Matt Giteau at the Force all over again...
Ex force fan
Guest
It is Danny Cipriani all over again. Too much money going to players that will mean nothing in the long term to the franchise. Would have been better off to keep Nick Stirzaker for less than half the price.
Ex force fan
Guest
I think Zack Homes, Luke Burton, Kyle Goodwin and Nick Jooste are all local products and play 10.
John R
Roar Guru
"Haylett-Petty says he will stay in Australian if his side is axed." http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rugby-union/brumbies/act-brumbies-interested-in-wallaby-star-dane-haylettpetty-if-western-force-axed-20170619-gwtrng.html That should put an end to this thread, unless he's had a change of heart.
piru
Roar Rookie
From Dayne and Ross, they both said they'd look at Europe if the Force were cut
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Some Force fans come across as the rugby version of Trump supporters. Not all because people like Piru are capable of logical thought and acknowledging both strengths AND weaknesses.
John R
Roar Guru
I know it's insensitive, but some of the hyperbole coming out now, you'd think that the Crusaders had been cut.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Kirky seems to live in some delusional world where the Force are consistent world beaters, despite the fact they won 5 games in the last 2 seasons combined. And that these players have some huge, never ending attachment to a franchise which would happily cut them loose if they found a better option.
John R
Roar Guru
"none are any great shakes they can’t win as shown the Season past!" So that would apply to the Force as well?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Really? Too be paid half of what the top contracts in Europe are paying a player needs to be recognized as the best in the world?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Kirky seems to forget the Force were hapless when most arrived too. Obviously forgot about that part while climbing up his high horse.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
In 2015 Super Rugby grants was $19.7M. Considering the Salary cap was $4.5M for 2015 that would be about right. http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/player-draft-for-super-rugby-players-needs-to-be-part-of-a-complete-strategy-20140905-10cws0.html $22.5M total Super Rugby salaries. Less any amount teams were under the cap. Then consider the players that were released in 2015 before the season ended. Adam Ashley-Cooper (2 months early) James Horwill (4 months early) Sekope Kepu (2 months early) Wycliff Palu (2 months early) Quade Cooper (2 months early) Will Genia (2 months early) Lachie Turner (6 months early) Mitch Inman (Medical Joker Stint) (6 months early) Beau Robinson (6 months early) And there's a a great deal more who were released early to take up overseas contracts and therefore the ARU saved between 2 and 6 months of their salary.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
That wasn't what happened Sam. Phipps held out for more money and signed with the Waratahs so the Rebels signed Burgess for less. Phipps may have signed 2nd but they wanted Phipps to stay and ended up getting Burgess on the cheap merely as a 2nd choice.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Just not your own 10s right?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Yeah ludicrous statement. At no point have they had the best team in the competition ever.