Brumbies and Wallabies lock Rory Arnold signs new three-year deal

IN a huge boost for Australian rugby, Brumbies and Wallabies lock Rory Arnold has spurned overseas offers to ink a new three-year deal with club and country.

Rory Arnold catches the ball during an Australia training session at Harrow School.

IN a huge boost for Australian rugby, Brumbies and Wallabies lock Rory Arnold has spurned overseas offers to ink a new three-year deal with club and country.

Arnold — the 2.08m giant who enjoyed a breakout 2016 season — reportedly received an offer of about $570,000 a season from French superclub Toulon.

But the 26-year-old Wagga Wagga product declared he had unfinished business at both Super Rugby and Test level.

“I am delighted to be staying with the Brumbies for the next stage of my career,” Arnold said.

“It was flattering to receive offers from overseas, and it wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I am committed to the Brumbies, and Australian rugby, and am looking forward to attempting to stake a claim for a regular place in both the Super Rugby and international line-ups.

“The lure of the Rugby World Cup in 2019 played a major part in my decision and I was hesitant to head overseas too early in my career.

Rory Arnold catches the ball during an Australia training session at Harrow School.

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“It’s a new era at the Brumbies and there are a number of talented young players coming through the ranks both here and in Australian rugby in general and it is an exciting time to be involved.

“My family is here as well and, after talking it through with them, I made the decision to stay. “It’s been an entertaining and fun ride for me in my career so far and I am eagerly awaiting the next stage.”

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika tried all sorts of second-row combinations this season before eventually settling on Arnold and the Force’s Adam Coleman, who formed a highly promising pairing.

Rory Arnold and Wallabies train at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Arnold was a late starter to rugby, incredibly only playing his first game six years ago for the Murwillumbah Bananas third grade team on New South Wales’ north coast.

He earned himself a contract at the Brumbies via stints in South Africa’s Currie Cup with Griquas and in the NRC with the Canberra Vikings.

Arnold made his Super Rugby debut in the 2015 victory over the Reds, before making the step-up into the international arena with the Wallabies against England this season.

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Originally published as Brumbies and Wallabies lock Rory Arnold signs new three-year deal