Genia leak frustrates Reds

Editor

Stade Français's announcement that Will Genia will join the club next season has frustrated Reds boss Jim Carmichael.

The Top 14 club revealed on Thursday that Genia will move to Paris on a three-year deal, before he had the chance to tell his team-mates.

"Will and I have been discussing this for some time and although he has loved his Reds and Wallabies careers, he now wants to experience a different lifestyle and city with his wife Vanessa and their new baby Olivia," said Carmichael.

"We’re saddened to be losing this outstanding footballer, leader and person of such quality, however he has our understanding and complete support of his decision, based on his very long relationship with Queensland Rugby.

"We only wish the very best for him and he goes with our gratitude and respect as he moves on to the next stage of his life, both professionally and personally.

"Although Will and I confirmed this decision some time ago he had made it clear to us that he didn’t want anything to disrupt his final season with the Reds and his teammates. As a consequence the QRU is extremely disappointed that the comments made in France overnight have denied a player of Will’s standing in Super Rugby and internationally, the opportunity to inform his teammates, supporters and the admirers he has throughout Australian Rugby, in the appropriate fashion as planned."

Genia added that the decision wasn't easy, reiterating his love for the Reds and Queensland Rugby.

"This has been an extremely big and difficult decision that I’ve spoken to my family and Queensland Rugby about at length," Genia said.

"Having our first baby, Olivia, has changed my perspective and Vanessa and I decided we wanted to experience life in a different part of the world. I’m thankful for the opportunities the Reds and the broader game of Rugby have given me, but at this stage of my career I decided that it was the right time to make the move.

"I’ve loved my time in Queensland. I love this state and this team and playing at Suncorp Stadium in the Reds jersey are some of my fondest memories in the game."