Speight concedes latest Aussie contract might be his last

Tue, Mar 27, 2018, 6:42 AM
AAP
by AAP
Henry Speight thinks he'll be in Europe after the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Photo: Getty Images
Henry Speight thinks he'll be in Europe after the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Photo: Getty Images

Wallabies winger Henry Speight says his latest contract will probably be his last in the southern hemisphere.

The Fijian-born Speight re-signed with the Brumbies and Rugby Australia on Monday until the end of the 2019 World Cup.

However, the 19-Test star concedes he will probably head to Europe once this contract runs out.

"Two years ago, I would've gone for the money but this year and next is about setting up my foundations for life after rugby because Canberra is home," Speight said on Tuesday.

"I'm looking at my life outside of rugby before I do move away, if I do, after next year."

Speight revealed how close he came to leaving Australia, saying the lucrative offers were difficult to knock back.

French team Union Bordeaux Begles were just one club to try and convince him to head to the Top 14 competition.

"I think at once stage I was set on going," Speight said.

"It's been about three months really (to decide). Bordeaux came knocking during the spring tour and it's just been back and forward ever since."

Now that his immediate future is settled, Speight is determined to help the Brumbies to Super Rugby success and lock down his spot for the Wallabies.

"I still have a lot to offer for the Brums and the (Canberra) community as a whole," Speight said.

"Next year will take care of itself, World Cup wise and that's the main goal because there's things I want to achieve that I didn't achieve in the last World Cup."

Share
Super Rugby Pacific Round Six Preview
Force 'heart and soul' Pomare set to reach rare Super W milestone
Michael Hooper is excited about the challenge of playing Sevens in Hong Kong. Photo: Nick Holland/RA Media
'Rookie' ex-Wallabies skipper Hooper ready to step up Sevens unknown
'Brumbies DNA': Wallabies selections on the line for Reds clash - Larkham