Wallabies halt exodus ... for now

Australia, facing a star player exodus after this year's World Cup, have signed two-year contract extensions with 20-year-old back row forward Sean McMahon and wing Rob Horne – who had both been linked with a big money moves to Europe.

Both men will now remain in Australia for the next three seasons, the Australian Rugby Union said in a statement Thursday.

McMahon, who made his Wallabies debut in 2014, stays at the Melbourne Rebels and Horne at the Waratahs, who kick off the defence of their Super Rugby title on February 13.

Rebels coach Tony McGahan praised McMahon – Australian Super Rugby rookie of the year – noting: "Sean has made a wonderful impact at the Rebels, despite still being just 20."

Horne, aged 25 and with 25 caps, featured in the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand and the British and Irish Lions series in 2013.

"Rob's been an invaluable asset to the Waratahs over the last two years since I've had the pleasure of coaching him," Wallabies and Waratahs coach Michael Cheika said.

"The next two years of his career here will see him become a real leader within our squad."

Horne and McMahon are expected to feature in the Wallabies squad for the World Cup in September and October.

The ARU announcement came after Cheika backed mid-contract sabbaticals for Australia's elite.

Stars such as Adam Ashley-Cooper, former skipper James Horwill, Will Genia and Sekope Kepu are due to leave Australia after the World Cup.

Many more have been made tempting offers.

"We have to be more creative around our contracting," Cheika said and suggested progress had been made on the issue in recent meetings.

ARU Chief Executive Bill Pulver however repeated his backing for contract rules that prevent overseas-based stars from playing for the Wallabies.

"I still retain the view that if you open that up, you risk having a Super Rugby competition with no profile players and not a lot to offer fans," he said at the official season launch on Wednesday.

"We'll look at all the options, we'll try to be as creative as we can but with the basic position that we want to protect the quality of player we have for Australian rugby fans."

The 20-year-old McMahon experienced a breakthrough 2014 campaign and was recognised at the John Eales Medal awards when he walked away with three pieces of silverware.  This included Australian Under-20 Player of the Year; the National Rugby Championship Player of the Series; and the Super Rugby Rookie of the Year.

His efforts earned him a place on the end-of-year tour, and following a strong individual performance in the team's opening and uncapped clash against the Barbarians, made his Test debut for Australia the following week against Wales in Cardiff.

To add to his impressive 2014 season, McMahon also joined the Australian Sevens side and helped them win a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Horne, 25, has chosen to continue his notable career in Australia and with the Waratahs, a province he initially debuted for at just 18 years of age in his first year out of school.

His re-signing comes following a memorable 2014 season where he played a major role in the Waratahs' historic maiden Super Rugby title, while he also earned 10 Test caps for Australia, taking his career tally to 25.

Having initially debuted for the Wallabies in 2010, the versatile Horne will bring plenty of experience to what is an important year for Australia, having already featured in a World Cup in New Zealand in 2011 and also in the 2013 British & Irish Lions Series in Australia.

"The opportunity to play for NSW and represent my state has been a huge honour, and I'm looking forward to creating many more cherished memories at the Waratahs," said Horne.

"The experience of last season and the outpouring of support from all NSW rugby supporters was incredible, and something I hope we can continue to grow."

A suggestion by the Waratahs and now Wallaby coach, Cheika, to shift from centres to the wing at the beginning of last season allowed Horne to show his versatility in the backline.

His combination of attacking play on the wing and his strong defence proved an invaluable asset in the Waratahs arsenal in 2014.