Palu commits to the Wallabies
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) confirmed that Wallaby No.8 Wycliff Palu has agreed to a new two-year deal with the ARU and Waratahs, despite being receiving more lucrative offers from abroad.
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) confirmed that Wallaby No.8 Wycliff Palu has agreed to a new two-year deal with the ARU and Waratahs, despite being receiving more lucrative offers from abroad.
Palu, Man of the Match in the Waratahs' opening round win over the Hurricanes in the Super 14 series, will remain with the Wallabies and 'Tahs until at least the end of the 2010 season.
“The ARU is very happy that Wycliff has decided to stay in Australia after fielding larger offers to play offshore,” said Pat Howard, ARU High Performance General Manager.
“We know there were genuinely significant deals placed before him and his decision to continue playing in Australia proves the lure of the Wallabies jumper is still a major attraction for our leading players.
“Obviously that's something we're extremely excited about,” Howard said.
“At this point in his career, we also believe it's a favourable outcome for both Wycliff and the ARU.
“He has the chance in the next couple of years to really establish himself as a major name on the world stage,” added Howard.
Palu said he was relieved to have settled his future in the game.
“I feel that I'm in the best form of my career and I've got a lot more to offer the Waratahs and Wallabies,” the 120kg No.8 added.
“I'm not just an impact player anymore.
“I've worked hard on my fitness so I can contribute for the full eighty minutes,” he said.
As for the length of a deal that gives Palu the chance to add to his current tally of 17 Test caps, Palu said: “Two years is a long time in Rugby and I'm very happy with the deal.”
“I had offers to leave but in the end staying with Australian Rugby is the best option for me on and off the field,” he said.
Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie, who persuaded Palu to return to rugby union after a one-season stint in rugby league in 2004, said it was great news for the game to retain the powerful loose forward.
“We copped a bit of criticism when we first signed Cliffy but since then he's not only proved a lot of doubters wrong, he's added a new dimension to our game,” said McKenzie.
“We identified a deficiency that we thought Wycliff could fill and we did a deal with the Dragons to get him back.
“Since then he's set the benchmark for Australia's ball playing forwards.
“I know Robbie Deans was immediately impressed when he first laid eyes on him in a pre-season match against the Crusaders,” the Waratahs coach said.
“It was a special moment for me when he was selected to play for the Wallabies and it's great news for Australia that he's re-signed until the end of 2010.
“He's a quiet achiever but a very well liked and respected member of the Waratahs and on the back of Kurtley Beagle's re-signing we're confident that we'll keep this squad together for a few more years,” McKenzie addded.