Will Genia set to join Stade Francais after Rugby World Cup, according to reports

WALLABIES and Reds halfback Will Genia will reportedly join the exodus of Australian players following the Rugby World Cup.

Will Genia at Qld Reds training Ballymore. Pic Jono Searle.

THE Queensland Reds have refused to quit on their mission to retain in-demand halfback Will Genia.

But the odds of Genia staying in Super Rugby are lengthening, with Stade Francais set to become home for the 27-year-old after the World Cup.

Speculation over his future has intensified since Wallabies teammates James Horwill, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Sekope Kepu handed in departure notices for post-World Cup northern exposure.

Genia had been linked to a move to Bath to play inside league convert Sam Burgess.

A three-year deal in Paris is the more likely move.

Will Genia could be off to France after the World Cup.

Genia has for some time expressed his interest in a change of scenery but was yesterday reluctant to comment on the Stade Francais offer.

A statement from the Queensland Rugby Union did little to clarify the former Reds and Wallabies vice captain’s intentions.

“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 and when these discussions are finalised there will be a formal announcement on this,” a spokesman said.

If the move is confirmed, it would be a further blow to Australia’s halfback stocks,

with Nic White having already announced he’ll link with former coach Jake White at Montpellier after the World Cup.

The Reds will continue their Super Rugby build-up by rushing in some new faces for Friday night’s trial against the Crusaders at Ballymore.

Prop Ben Daley, flanker Ed O’Donoghue and utility James O’Connor will play their first trial minutes after overcoming injuries.

Greg Holmes’s thumb injury means front-rowers Sam Talakai and Sef Faagase will be challenged to extend their learning curve that began with Brisbane City in last year’s National Rugby Championship.

Former All Blacks loose forward Adam Thomson is another who will be introduced to the family at the Reds’ spiritual home.

Thomson will tackle a Crusaders outfit juggling the workloads its All Blacks in a World Cup year.

Richie McCaw has been quarantined from the trials and Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read, Ryan Crotty and Israel Dagg are expected to be rested.

There is still a chance Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder will make Dan Carter and Colin Slade available for the Ballymore clash.

Originally published as Will Genia set to join Stade Francais after Rugby World Cup, according to reports