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ESPN staff
Former Wallabies star Matt Giteau has been named as the latest name for the LA Giltinis Rugby Major League side, joining team-mate and good friend Adam Ashley-Cooper at the club.
Giteau, a three-time World Cup star, signed with the side on a one-year deal extending his career after his last season for Suntory Sungoliath came to an abrupt end in March once and that the 2020 Japan Premier League season has been postponed due to the COVID-19 revolution.
“To be honest, I felt a little unfulfilled with the way things were going in Japan and it made me think that retiring due to ‘age’ was selling me himself a little short, “Giteau said of his decision to keep playing.
“Like everyone, I was feeling at the moment this year when sports were taken away (because of the pandemic) so I was delighted with the LA offer and realized me that you have long since retired.
“Starting a new franchise, my history with exceptional Giltinis players and staff and the family who felt with this adventure were all the great things that persuaded me. “And I get to live in one of the coldest cities in the world and experience. This with my kids at an age when they remember it.”
A three-time Heineken Cup winner and earning 103 test caps for the Wallabies, Giteau is one of the top soldiers to apply for an MLR tournament and will give the Giltinis plenty of experience.
He joins a long list of Australians who have joined the club, including head coach Darren Coleman and assistant coach Stephen Hoiles.
“I still love playing and competing. What gives me such satisfaction is helping to create the identity of the Giltinis and developing the potential in them. some American and international youngsters for the future of the club, “Giteau said.
“I have had many opportunities to speak to (head coach) Darren Coleman about his values and the importance of nurturing local American and Canadian players and bringing them into national teams.
“I feel like I know what successful clubs are like … you need strong leaders and you need to establish what you stand for early on and off the field.
“I’m excited. I know how much sport is in the United States in general and I see Major League Rugby getting a real crackdown on turning the US into a dominant rugby nation.
“The Giltinis will be out in the LA rugby community to fully engage our fans.”
Coleman said signing Giteau with the side is a huge win for the club, bringing plenty of talent and experience.
“The Giteau name is world-renowned and brings the club several leagues in marketing, mentoring our youngest players and an incredible award record as a winner,” said Coleman.
“He is known for always being competitive as a player and coach and I am thrilled that he is coming to Los Angeles with a fire in him to help make the club a success.
“He’s going to be an excellent coach for No. 10 as Luke Burton, Luke Carty and Jeff Peleseuma in our squad.”