I love George Smith.
Smith shuns Europe, commits to ARU
Posted May 8, 2009 10:40:00
George Smith looks to break through the defence
Staying put ... George Smith will remain at the Brumbies until the end of 2011 (Getty Images: Phil Walter)
* Map: Canberra 2600
Australian rugby has received a boost with Wallabies flanker George Smith committing to the ARU and ACT Brumbies for another two years.
Smith knocked back the chance to play in lucrative European competitions to stay put in Australia, saying the chance to play in the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand was a big reason for his decision.
"The opportunity to play at another World Cup was a huge motivation," he said in a statement released by the ARU.
"There were a lot of factors, however, that went into this decision.
"First and foremost, it's always a privilege to be in the Wallabies jersey and my goal is to be in it as long as I can.
"The Wallabies jersey is priceless. But it also comes down to coaching, lifestyle, family and the opportunity for financial security.
"It's a combination of all those things. I was never looking at this as being a straight financial decision."
Smith, who played at the 2003 and 2007 tournaments in Australia and France, has agreed to terms that will keep him in Australia until the end of 2011.
The 29-year-old has played 96 Tests for Australia since making his debut in 2000 against France.
Smith said he was confident the Wallabies could get back to the top of international rugby before the World Cup.
"I'm sure over the next couple of seasons we can get back to the levels of success we had when I first came into the team," he said.
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