VIDEO: Wallaby great makes U-turn on retirement at 41
TRANSFER NEWS: Legendary Wallabies playmaker Matt Giteau revealed he will come out of retirement to join San Diego Legion for the 2024 Major League Rugby season.
Giteau, whose last taste of professional rugby came in the North American competition with the LA Giltinis, announced his retirement in February.
The 41-year-old won an MLR championship alongside Australian great Adam Ashley-Cooper and another capped Wallaby in Dave Dennis – who had both helped the Waratahs win a Super Rugby title in 2014.
With the Legion looking to go a couple better next season after bowing out in the Conference finals in July, the San Diego franchise has shown a positive sign of intent by signing Giteau.
“We are over the moon to secure the services of Matt for the upcoming season,” Director of Rugby, Danny Lee, said in a statement.
“To have a highly experienced, international player of Matt’s calibre join the Legion in something very exciting.
“He is a world-class player that will bring an incredible wealth of knowledge, competitive attitude and drive to succeed with him that will no doubt spread throughout the squad.
“We can’t wait to get the former MLR winner onboard.”
Giteau’s CV practically speaks for itself. Having played at three World Cups, Giteau is widely considered one of the greatest Wallabies of all time.
Giteau played 103 Test matches in Wallaby gold and scored an incredible 698 against the world’s best teams.
The playmaker has also starred at club level both in Australia and at various sides around the world.
After helping the Brumbies win two Super Rugby titles in 2001 and 2004, Giteau went on to win three European titles with French heavyweights Toulon.
Giteau also played for the Western Force in Australia, Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan, and returned to the Brumbies for a second stint ahead of the 2010 season.
But this next chapter with the San Diego Legion is sure to pique the interest of rugby fans around the world.
“Really excited to be joining San Diego Legion,” Giteau said in a video on the Legion’s social media pages.
“Our proud club with some great fans and a great city.
“Can’t wait to get over there and rip in.”
*Additional reporting: Rugbypass
