Toomua staying Down Under
Wallabies playmaker Matt Toomua has signed a new three-year deal with the ARU and Brumbies that will take him through until the end 2017.
The signature of the 24-year-old Wallabies flyhalf ensures Toomua will remain in the country well beyond next year's World Cup, while also continuing to play a significant part in the future of the Brumbies.
Toomua was a standout during his debut Test season in 2013, playing a vital role as part of a rejuvenated Wallabies backline, earning five starting opportunities as part of 10 total caps he received under coach Ewen McKenzie.
"Performance is significant when considering selections and without a doubt Matt has been one of the most consistent performers in Australian rugby over the past two seasons," McKenzie said.
"We were really pleased with how he handled his first taste of Test rugby last year and he is an impressive young man on and off the field.
"That he has committed his future to Australian rugby for the next three years shows great confidence in where we are heading and I'm delighted he'll be here for the long-term."
Toomua said he was thrilled to be continuing his future in Australia.
"It's great to know I'll be part of Australian rugby for the next three years and hopefully I'll get the opportunity to wear the Wallabies jersey again," Toomua said.
"I think it's a really exciting time for rugby in Australia. We've got a strong team and coaching setup, and everyone is motivated to continue being part of that.
"I really enjoyed the experience last year and I'm confident we've got a good group of players to achieve more success in the next few years."
Toomua made his long-awaited Test debut at the beginning of last year's Rugby Championship, where he was rewarded by McKenzie for the role he played in guiding the Brumbies to their first Super Rugby Final appearance since 2004.
Initially chosen in the No.10 jersey, the Melbourne-born playmaker showed he was just as comfortable in the inside centre role as he struck up a formidable partnership with teammate Quade Cooper during the later stages of the year.
Toomua's elevation to the Wallabies ranks was a long time coming.
An injury replacement on the 2009 year-end, Toomua made the briefest of appearances for his country during an uncapped midweek 31-3 win over the Cardiff Blues five years ago.
Unfortunately, the young flyhalf collided with a Cardiff player in the early moments, being forced from the field with a broken jaw in just the fourth minute of play.
Despite the setback Toomua has continued to fight his way back into Test selection and has been the first choice flyhalf at the Brumbies over the past three seasons.
While last year's Super Rugby Final appearance was a highlight, Toomua also guided his provincial side in their historic win over the British and Irish Lions, the first for an Australian club side since the Queensland Reds in 1971.
