Will Genia will become the latest Wallabies player to take his talents overseas after agreeing to a multi-year deal with a French club following this year’s Rugby World Cup.
According to the AAP, the Wallabies halfback has reportedly signed a three-year contract with Paris-based club Stade Français, joining fellow Wallabies James Horwill (Harlequins), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Bordeaux-Begles), Scott Higginbotham (Japan), Sekope Kepu (Bordeaux-Begles) and Nic White (Montpellier) to have already announced end of season European moves.
Reports out of France suggest the deal is as good as done, however a Queensland Rugby Union representative claimed a decision has yet to be finalised.
“Will and Queensland Rugby CEO Jim Carmichael have a very strong personal relationship and have been in discussion for 12 months on Will’s future post Rugby World Cup,” QRU said in a statement.
“When these discussions are finalised there will be a formal announcement on this.”
The 58-Test veteran was said to be nearing a deal with English club Bath until salary cap restrictions nixed a potential contract.
Genia will join fellow Aussies Digby Ioane, Richard Kingi, Hugh Pyle and former Wallabies number 8 David Lyons at Stade Français.
The 27-year-old last week welcomed his first child, a baby girl, and has previously spoken of his desire to travel less.
Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images.
