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Giteau to decide by weekend
Bret Harris | October 28, 2008
WALLABIES five-eighth Matt Giteau is expected to make a decision about his future by the end of the week and indications are that he is planning to return to the Brumbies.
Giteau, who embarked on the tour of Hong Kong and Europe yesterday, left the Brumbies two years ago to join Super 14 expansion team Western Force.
Although he is contracted to the ARU until 2011, Giteau has a clause in his contract which enables him to negotiate with other provincial teams for 2010 and 2011.
Both the Brumbies and the Force have made offers to Giteau, who is one of the highest paid players in Australian rugby.
But it is the value of potential third party sponsorships which will have a big bearing on whether Giteau remains in Perth or returns to Canberra.
Under the ARU's recruitment protocols, the provinces are not allowed to solicit third party endorsements for players, but the player's agent can strike a deal with a sponsor.
Giteau secured a sponsorship with failed fuel technology company Firepower as part of his move to Perth, but he was only paid for the first year of the deal.
His management has had discussions with companies on the east coast and west coast to replace the Firepower sponsorship. It is understood a company in Perth has at least matched the cash component of Giteau's Firepower deal but the offer will be taken off the table if an agreement is not reached by the end of the week.
There is speculation that Giteau, one of the most marketable players in Australian rugby, has also received strong corporate interest in Canberra for a return to the Brumbies, suggesting a move home is on the cards.
If Giteau decides to sign with the Brumbies, he will still play for the Force in the 2009 Super 14 series.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...015651,00.html