New Rebel Genia would’ve preferred to join Reds

MELBOURNE: Wallabies scrumhalf Will Genia has signed a two-year deal with the Melbourne Rebels in a major coup for the struggling Super Rugby club.

The 29-year-old had been expected to slot back into his old team, the Reds, after returning home from a stint with Stade Francais.

But last week, Genia cast doubt on a return to the team where he won the 2011 championship under coach Ewen McKenzie, citing the Reds’ full complement of scrumhalves.

Salary cap issues may also have played a part, with Genia’s deal worth about $627 000 a season and with payment to be split between the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) and the Rebels, according to local media.

Genia was frank that the Reds were his first choice.

“Yeah, it’s the unfortunate nature of the situation, that’s where I always wanted to go back and play but that’s just the circumstances that we were given, I guess, because I did come back at such an awkward time,” he told reporters at a Wallabies training camp in Sydney yesterday.

“At the end of the day, I’m happy with my decision ... I don’t have any bad sort of feeling towards the Reds, I’m happy.”

The 78-Test veteran instead joins a team that finished bottom of the Australian conference with a solitary win and was only recently assured of continuing in the competition next season after a protracted process to cull a local side.

The Rebels have announced a raft of new signings, with Tetera Faulkner penning a two-year deal and Japan No 8 Amanaki Mafi taking a oneyear extension. – Reuters