Rugby World Cup: Wallabies stars Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell relieved to get another chance

MATT Giteau says he and Toulon teammate Drew Mitchell were “very thankful” for a reprieve in Australian selection rules regarding overseas-based players.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 08: Drew Mitchell and Matt Giteau of the Wallabies pose with the Rugby Championship trophy after winning the Rugby Championship match between the Australia Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at ANZ Stadium on August 8, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

WALLABIES playmaker Matt Giteau says he and Toulon teammate Drew Mitchell were “very thankful” for a reprieve in Australian selection rules regarding overseas-based players.

The 32-year-old Giteau, an international exile for the last four years but in arguably the form of his life for three-time European Cup champions Toulon, was controversially axed from the 2011 World Cup squad by then-coach Robbie Deans.

However, an easing of eligibility rules regarding overseas players by the Australian Rugby Union has paved the way for his and Mitchell’s return to the green and gold jersey.

Drew Mitchell and Matt Giteau are happy to be back with the Wallabies.

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“It’s a big issue for us, but now it’s been done,” Giteau said of the decision to relax the selection policy.

“We’re here and we’re both very thankful that we’ve been given the opportunity to come back and play for our country and be involved in what’s a massive occasion like the World Cup.

“Our rules have been brought in and we’re very thankful for that.”

Ironically, Giteau and Mitchell play club rugby with flanker Steffon Armitage, former European player of the year but ineligible for England because of their much-criticised policy of not picking overseas-based players.

“I speak with Stef a bit,” Giteau said, chuckling when asked whether the flanker was still at home kicking the furniture.

“Stef’s the type of guy who moves on, he’s focusing on his holidays, putting on a bit of weight, I suppose.”

Assistant coach Nathan Grey said it was a win-win situation.

“You want the best 15 (in the run-on team), the best 31 Australians players in the world representing the Wallabies (squad),” Grey said.

“That’s great and it’s exciting to have those guys come back. If they’re available for selection and good enough to get selected then they’re going to get selected, so it’s great for everyone.”

Originally published as Rugby World Cup: Wallabies stars Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell relieved to get another chance