Code-hopping Gasnier signs for Stade
Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:50
Australian Rugby League Test centre Mark Gasnier has switched codes to sign a two-year deal with French Rugby Union club Stade Francais, his new coach Ewen McKenzie said on Monday.
Gasnier, one of the leading players in Australia's National Rugby League (NRL), is expected to officially announce on Tuesday that he will be switching codes, but McKenzie confirmed his signing on radio on Monday.
"I have a high opinion of him, I think he will make a great convert," the incoming Stade Francais coach said.
There have been reports that Gasnier, who turns 27 on Saturday, will earn up to AU$1-million (US$960,000) a season playing for the Parisian club.
"Everyone says it's about the money, I don't actually believe it's the case. I actually think Mark's got a genuine interest," said McKenzie, who was appointed Stade Francais coach after his Super 14 contract was not renewed by the Waratahs.
"I'm not chasing guys here that don't want to play rugby," McKenzie said.
"Mark Gasnier made it quite clear to me four years ago that he had a very strong interest in the game."
Gasnier, a nephew of former Australian Rugby League great Reg Gasnier, has scored 77 tries in 134 NRL games for St George Illawarra Dragons since his top grade debut in 2000.
Gasnier has played 15 Tests for Australia, scoring 11 tries and played for New South Wales (NSW) in nine State of Origin games against Queensland.
McKenzie, who had high profile League converts Lote Tuqiri, Wendell Sailor, Matt Rogers and Timana Tahu play under him at the Waratahs, has no doubts that Gasnier will make an impact in Union.
His defection is set to undermine the marketing for this year's Rugby League World Cup in Australia, as Gasnier was a major part of the advertising campaign.
AFP
