TOULON CENTRE MATT Giteau has admitted his latest injury setback could bring his international career with Australia to a close.
The 33-year-old suffered a broken ankle against New Zealand in the opening game of the Rugby Championship, Giteau leaving the field 10 minutes into the 42-8 defeat in Sydney.
Coach Michael Cheika confirmed Giteau would play no further part in the remainder of Australia’s campaign, and the player acknowledges it may be time to focus solely on his club career once recovered.
“Once it happened I knew straight away the best thing would be to get back to my home and family and into the Toulon programme and start my rehab and get my surgery done and back on the park,” said Giteau.
“As far as long-term I haven’t thought about it too much but off the top of my head — I think Australian rugby is in a great spot and there’s plenty of young talent coming through. The last two Tests I played haven’t gone the way I wanted but I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
“Maybe it’s a sign that I need to go back and repay the faith of Toulon, but I’d be happy to come back and help Australian rugby in the future, even with giving advice, but playing might not be the best way to do that.”
Giteau will now head back to France to learn the severity of his injury and the length of his upcoming rehabilitation, but he is looking forward to returning to the Top 14 side.
He added: “The club is extremely supportive and they’ve been good from the outset, so all I can do is stay positive and start the rehab and the process at home, and add to the team off the field as best I can, and as quickly as I can.”
Next generation? What next generation? Rugby Union is dying on its arse in Australia.
Interesting situation as Giteau left Toulon under the agreement that they wouldn’t paid him while he’s gone. Now that he’s injured under the ARU, I wonder will Toulon still not pay him, now that he cannot play for them even tho he’s back….from the article looks like they are being supportive…