Daruda going to France?

[blutackey]

Thought you guys might be interested.
This would be a shame, because the guy has got a lot of talent and will eventually get a run if he is patient enough.
Found it on rugbyexclusive.com from Gordon Bray:

BRAY EXCLUSIVE: Force Youngster Eyes French Sojourn


Talented Western Force fly-half Scott Daruda is considering a contract offer to play with leading French club Clermont Auvergne.

The 21 year old fly-half was a foundation signing for the Western Force but his two seasons have yielded only six appearances after suffering a nerve injury in his neck against the Waratahs last season.

Since regaining full fitness, Daruda has been selected on the Force bench four times this season but has taken the field only once. The lack of opportunity as backup to Matt Giteau and James Hilgendorf appears to be a major factor in his pending decision.

A product of Nudgee College in Brisbane, Daruda joined the Reds Academy as a 15 y.o. and represented Qld and Australia ‘A’ Schoolboys before securing an ARU High Performance contract in 2005.

He made two appearances for the Reds before heading west.

Last season’s injury put him out of action for five months and meant a forced withdrawal from the Australian U21 squad.

The news of Daruda’s potential signing comes at an unfortunate time as Australian Rugby has recently attracted criticism for courting big name league players at the expense of nurturing and developing its emerging talent.

Big spending French clubs are looking to bolster their ranks after the Rugby World Cup and recent signings include George Gregan and Byron Kelleher.

Other All Blacks being targeted include Luke McAlister, Doug Howlett and Ali Williams.

Australian Rugby cannot afford to lose players of Daruda’s calibre, especially when significant funds have been invested in his career pathway over the last six years. He is youngster who has demonstrated flair and vision as a fly-half/centre in his limited opportunities.

Hopefully it is still not too late to secure his future in Australia.

[Happy]

if people complain about Australia's lack of depth - why are the French possibly signing a 21 year old ?

Don't blame the blame the frogs!

[Jess]

Wouldn't mind seeing Daruda go... he isn't very nice!

And no I won't elaborate on how I know that...

[pruc]

hes 21... hasnt played for the wallabies an already looking overseas. watch our daruda eddie will be on the fone to you soon too!

[Shaun]

Scott is making the wrong choice is he decides to leave. He has potential and will get his shot in the starting XV sooner rather than later.

Is it just me or is Scott prety sulky? he never seems to be happy.

[Thequeerone]

Ah look he stuck behind a lot of other quaility backs he needs game time - he's young if I were him I'd go to - it is a loss for the force - but he needs to get games

[Burgs]

It really underwrites that Australia should be running a "2nd XV" comp during the Super 14 so that players such as Daruda can get regular matches before the Club season commences.
I guess the facts are that he is behind probably three players at the Force (if you include a one day fit MacKay) and as a future Wallaby he is behind at least Cooper, Barnes and Beale.

[Happy]

probably wouldn;t keep them anyway if OS clubs throw enough money at hem...

[travelling_gerry]

hope he remembers Murph's French lessons from Nudgee then..

[Shaun]

Looking at Burgs post he is likley not to ever make the Wallabies side at #10 if you have Barnes, Cooper and Beale there. At the Force #10- Giteau, MaCkay and Hilgendorf, can't see him getting a spot in there in the next 5 years.