Giteau confirms Suntory move

Mon, May 15, 2017, 10:03 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Matt Giteau is off to Suntory. Photo: AFP

Wallabies veteran Matt Giteau has confirmed Suntory will be his 2017-18 destination, signing with Japanese powerhouse for next season.

News that Giteau was heading to Japan emerged in January, with the 103-Test back announcing he was ending his time with Toulon and moving to be closer to his family.

The Sungoliath confirmed Suntory would be his Japanese home, with an announcement on Twitter on Monday.

“I feel that I and my family have a new challenge in Japan, and I think that this club is a suitable team for it I and my family are also very much looking forward to the future, he said in a statement on Suntory's site.

 

Suntory has long-time Australian association, with Eddie Jones a former coach, legendary Wallabies halfback a former player and flanker George Smith on its current roster.

Smith and Giteau will likely play together for the first time since 2013 when the Top League season gets underway.

Giteau's final season in Toulon has been a mixed one, with the 34-year-old taking up the backs coaching role after an injury ended his season.

 

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