The ACT Brumbies have beaten off a poaching raid from the New South Wales Waratahs to resign exciting South African winger Clyde Rathbone for the next three years.
The former Springbok under-21 captain’s new deal with the Super 12 leaders will take him through until the end of the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France.
The Brumbies said 22-year-old Rathbone had sought an option to review where he plays his provincial rugby after the 2005 season.
Rathbone said he put the option in place as he wants to play at outside centre for the Brumbies, where skipper and Wallaby back Stirling Mortlock currently holds down the spot.
The Waratahs confirmed last Saturday they had extended talks with Rathbone leading to an offer to switch to Sydney next season.
”The Brumbies is the best place in the world to play rugby and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity they have given me,” Rathbone said in a statement on Monday.
”The players and management have been fantastic and the supporters have really welcomed me into the community. I enjoy playing here and there is every chance that I will be here beyond next year.
”Im looking to develop my game on the wing. If I’m successful in that department there is every chance I will be staying on.
”But I feel my best position could be 13 and that’s why I’ve taken the option. Having the option gives me some flexibility.”
Rathbone said the decision to stay in Australia was the right one for him, heightening speculation he may become available to play for the Wallabies.
He qualifies to play for the Wallabies through his Australian-born grandmother.
”My future is here,” he said.
”I always will have strong ties to South Africa but my future is in Australia. I love living in Australia. The combination of great rugby and lifestyle is hard to beat.
”The contract negotiation was professional. It was quick and painless. They made me a fair offer and I accepted. It’s now time to turn my mind back to playing and doing my bit for the Brumbies in the semifinal this weekend.”
The Brumbies take on New Zealand’s Waikato Chiefs in Canberra on Saturday for a place in the Super 12 final. — Sapa-AFP