ARU stands firm in Giteau-gate
Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:26
Wallaby star Matt Giteau's stated intention of "considering" a AU$9.6 million offer to join French club Bayonne will be a fruitless exercise, with the Australian Rugby Union set to put their foot down over his contractual obligations.
Giteau, who must also consider whether he will remain with the Western Force or head back to the Brumbies when his Super 14 contract in Perth expires, told the Australian media at the weekend that he intends taking the next couple of weeks to consider the Bayonne offer.
But this declaration was met with a blunt response from ARU Chief Executive John O'Neill, who made it clear that they will not release Giteau from his contract with the Union - which runs until after the 20111 World XCup in New Zealand.
Following Australia's 18-21 loss to Wales at the weekend Giteau confirmed he had received a multi-million-dollar offer from the French Top 14 outfit.
"The facts are out there, as far as meeting them, and getting an offer," Giteau told the media.
"When anyone is presented with that type of offer, you'd have to sit down and consider your options."
However, he was aware of O'Neill's stance and basically admitted he is unlikely to accept the French deal.
"I'm contracted [to the ARU] until 2011 and at the moment you really can't put a price on a Wallaby jumper.
"I've still got that burning desire to play for the Wallabies, and always will have that desire. Whether it's your first game, or when it was my 65th, I still feel so proud."
Giteau said he would consider his options at the end of the Wallabies' northern hemisphere tour, which finishes with a match against the Barbarians at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday.
"I got the offer, and as we've been playing Tests I haven't really thought about it seriously," he said. "Over the next two weeks I'll sit down and seriously think about it."
When told that the ARU was unlikely to want to release him to play in France, Giteau replied: "As far as I know, I think they have said no to a sabbatical … so that makes it tougher."
Giteau added that he would shortly decide whether to push for an early release from the Force, because of the money owed by Firepower, or stay for one more season. He is expected to either return to the Brumbies next year or in 2010.
"It is important that once I make my decision that I act on it," Giteau said. "Everyone knows what has happened at the Force and it is just something that I have to think about. I have to make a decision as soon as possible, because the [Super 14] season is not that far away.
"I couldn't play a whole season with the Force lying to my teammates. So if I have made my decision, I will make it public, and let them know."
* Should the ARU let Giteau go?
