Will Genia to depart Australian Rugby post Rugby World Cup

Thu, Apr 2, 2015, 1:00 PM
AAP
by AAP

Qantas Wallabies and Queensland Reds halfback Wallaby Will Genia has signed a three-year contract with French Top 14 side Stade Francais.

Genia will make the move to France following the 2015 Rugby World Cup, which concludes in October.

Genia played 58 Wallabies Tests during his 6 international seasons and sort the opportunity for him his young family, wife Vanessa and their new baby Olivia, to use the international nature of Rugby.

Genia said while it wasn’t an easy decision to make, he thought it was the best thing for his family to make the move following the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

“This has been an extremely big and difficult decision.” Genia said.

“Having our first baby, Olivia, has changed my perspective and Vanessa and I decided we wanted to experience life in a different part of the world. I’m thankful for the opportunities the Reds and the broader game of Rugby have given me, but at this stage of my career I decided that it was the right time to make the move.

“I’ve loved my time in Queensland. I love this state and this team and playing at Suncorp Stadium in the Reds jersey are some of my fondest memories in the game.”

He joined the Reds while still playing Colts and made his Queensland debut against Japan in 2006.

By mid-2009 he had cemented his position as the Reds’ starting scrumhalf and in 2011 secured his place as one of the modern greats of Queensland Rugby – helping guide the side to a Super Rugby championship.

He made his Test debut in 2009, starting in 50 of his 58 matches in Wallabies gold and captaining Australia on four occasions.

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