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This is most likely a total fabrication of Gangbang Growden's to disrupt our world cup preparations, however...
http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/ne...462264712.htmlOriginally Posted by Gangbang Growden
Matt Giteau, who boasts Australian rugby's largest pay packet, may seek a release from his multi-million-dollar Western Force contract and return to the Brumbies.
High-ranking sources have told the Herald that the Wallabies utility back has recently been in contact with influential rugby officials seeking advice over his legal rights, which have also involved "discreet discussions" over the possibility of moving back to his home town, Canberra.
It is also believed several other leading Western Force players have in the past month been involved in private talks with other Australian provinces, with the discussions revolving around the possibility of getting a spot with another Super 14 team.
Amid enormous fanfare, Giteau last year agreed to a three-year deal, valued between $4.5 and $6 million, to move from the Brumbies, where he had played for four seasons, to Perth and the new Force franchise. Giteau is easily the Force's biggest and most important signing, with overwhelming corporate support on top of his ARU contract leading to him earning Australian rugby's largest contract.
Giteau was the Force's marquee player this season, and his involvement in midfield was a crucial element in the Force advancing from the bottom of the 2006 Super 14 ladder in their inaugural year to this season finishing in seventh spot.
If Giteau left the Force, it would have a devastating effect on the franchise, which relies on him heavily to boost home crowds at Subiaco Oval and provide direction to a young back line, which before he arrived, was at times rudderless last year. This season, with Giteau either at five-eighth or inside-centre, the Force back line looked far more assured and threatening.
Giteau's involvement helped the representative aspirations of several Force players, including Drew Mitchell. The Force can't afford to lose any notable players, in particular Giteau, especially with the strong threat that several others may follow.
The Herald has been told the Brumbies are not involved in facilitating such a dramatic move, but that Giteau, together with several other players, have been checking their options for some time. The suggestion that Giteau was showing some interest in returning to the Brumbies first surfaced three months ago, but it has again gathered momentum during the past week. Sources have also told the Herald that two other high-profile Force players are seriously considering leaving Perth.
If Giteau approached the Brumbies, there is no doubt his old province would embrace him warmly. Giteau has retained a good relationship with the Brumbies, who realise that the lure of a larger contract was the overriding reason for his move west. Giteau has repeatedly said the Brumbies system was a critical factor in him becoming a quality Test footballer.
If he did return to Canberra, the timing could not be better. The Brumbies' two most senior players - halfback George Gregan and five-eighth Stephen Larkham - recently completed their farewell season with ACT, before heading to play in Europe. The need for experience in the Brumbies' inner backs is paramount, and the return of the prodigal son would solve many dilemmas.
The Australian Rugby Union, which considers Giteau to be a future Test captain, is unlikely to lose its world-class player. It is understood Giteau is eager to extend his ARU contract past the 2011 World Cup. Preliminary contract discussions involving the ARU are believed to have begun.
It would also be no surprise if Giteau, who turns 25 next month, skippers the Wallabies at the 2011 World Cup, in New Zealand.
His worth to the Wallabies will be on full show within a few weeks at the World Cup in France. Apart from being the team's No.1 inside-centre and a goal-kicking option, he will be back-up for Gregan at halfback and Larkham at five-eighth.
When the Herald asked Brumbies chief executive officer Andrew Fagan yesterday if he was aware of the possibility of Giteau returning to the Brumbies next year, he replied: "I'm not aware of that, and I understand that Matt Giteau is contracted for a further two years with the Force."
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