Matt Giteau has shelved retirement plans and will play on for the Los Angeles Giltinis as a 39-year-old.
The Wallabies great was man of the match in August’s Major League Rugby’s Championship final, the 103-Test playmaker laying on two tries in their 31-17 defeat of Rugby ATL in their first season of the burgeoning league.
It could have served as the perfect time to end a two-decade career that features seven elite trophies in Australia (Brumbies), France (Toulon), Japan (Suntory) and the US.
Instead he’ll go around again under new coach and former Wallaby Stephen Hoiles, who replaced the NSW Waratahs-bound Darren Coleman after their title run.
“I was really content with the way things finished. It was such a super season to end up with a championship,” Giteau, who debuted for the Brumbies in 2001, said.
(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
“My wife Bianca has changed her life to suit me many times but when she was keen and the kids were pumped for more of LA, it made the decision an easy one.”
Adam Ashley-Cooper, another former Wallaby, will transition into coaching as Hoiles’ assistant, while former Wallabies and Waratahs lock Dave Dennis returns alongside Melbourne Rebels flyer Billy Meakes.
“His best game for the Giltinis was his last game in the Championship game. That’s the sort of competitor he is,” Hoiles said.
“Straight after the final, there was a sense that maybe it was a good time to bow out for him but a month later the indications were he might go again.
“It’s a credit to LA and how good a time he and his family have had here.
“With Dave Dennis and Gits, they feel the job is not yet done at the Giltinis … they want to set up the club for success over 10 years, not just one or two.”
The Giltinis begin their defence against the Houston Sabercats in Houston on February 5 and play their home opener against the New England Free Jacks on February 27.
USrugger
Roar Rookie
The Giltinis have another fantastic, under-appreciated Wally player: Luke Burton. Played for u20 Wallies. Is an incredible utility back. I really dislike that term, though. He's an excellent 10, 12 &, if need be, 15. In addition to to be terrific on defence, he has a great boot. (Probably doesn't get the recognition he deserves cos he slots in where required!)
Phil
Guest
JN,I wonder if they are as old as a team I have had a few runs with?During the Bangkok 10's(which unfortunately hasn't been run for the last 2 years,for obvious reasons!)there is a game for the Ancients.You have to be over 60 to be eligible and the rules are adjusted to save breaking any of those ageing bones!At half time,it is compulsory to have a glass of port to fortify yourself for the 2nd half.Great fun and we are really missing the 10's,although I think I am even past having another run with the Ancients,when/if the 10's returns.
Purdo
Roar Rookie
Glad to see that Adam Ashley Cooper is taking up coaching! A couple of years ago I expressed in a Roar forum the hope that he might do that. In his last season for the Waratahs AAC was putting himself in the right place as always, but not quite as fast as he once did, so maybe a bit behind the right time. I think (at least I hope) he has a lot to offer as a coach, once he has learnt that trade.
BackInBlack
Guest
:laughing: Brad Thorn won a World Cup, multiple Bledisloe Cups, multiple Super Rugby Titles, a Heineken Cup and in a rugby League multiple NRL titles and State of Origin series victories.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Past Saturday I was at Union Rugby Club in Johannesburg where the senior team was practicing. With I might add emphasis on Senior . Now those dudes really are old . They spent an hour training and a couple of hours in the pub recovering afterwards :stoked:
ethan
Guest
It's actually a great environment for inexperienced coaches to learn the ropes. Can only be a good thing for Aus rugby to have guys like that over there getting an opportunity.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Ok ...39 isn’t like that old :happy: but sure , pat on the back for that rugby longevity . : :thumbup:
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
Good on him! Play till you got flase teeth Gits! Titles with the Brumbies, Toulon (top 14 and champions cup), Suntory and now LA – pretty dam impressive. Not sure if any other player in professional rugby history has had that success??? She should give super rugby another go at age 40+. Im sure he will do well
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
A man fortunate enough to be able to do what he loves and call it work. Jealous? Most of us. :thumbup:
Mo
Guest
We need them both so happy that they keep having kids. Bianca comes from a great sporting family.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
I hope he goes well and keeps away from injury. Still a classy player and should be a good mentor for the rest of the team
Tim J
Roar Rookie
TCFB, how the Universe works is flabbergasting.
The Crow Flies Backwards
Roar Rookie
Hoiles and Ashley-Cooper the the brains trust? Sweet fancy Moses....
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Awesome stuff and congratulations both OZ and SA for developing a great and lasting player. Also he has a great supporting wife and children, now he is saying thank you to them by staying. A great career and and always was passionate on the field, hopefully another title coming your way again Gits.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Well his uncle Wally had a bit of toe.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Remarkable really. Wow, 39 and still putting one leg in front of other. Great stuff Gits.
jameswm
Roar Guru
"Flyer" Billy Meakes? Lol.