Wallabies star Matt Giteau stuns fans by reversing retirement decision

In February, Giteau announced his retirement at the age of 40 after playing for former MLR club the LA Giltinis.

However, the former Wallabies utility back has now changed his mind and revealed on his podcast that he will be returning to the United States to play for San Diego Legion.

"We are over the moon to secure the services of Matt for the upcoming season," said Danny Lee, who is the head coach and director Of rugby at San Diego Legion.

"To have a highly experienced, international player of Matt's calibre join the Legion is something very exciting.

"He is a world class player that will bring an incredible wealth of knowledge, competitive attitude and drive to succeed with him that will no doubt spread throughout the squad.

"We can't wait to get the former MLR winner onboard."

A versatile player, who is renowned as a centre and flyhalf, and who can also play at scrum-half, Giteau burst onto the scene when he became the first player in the professional era to make his Test debut for the Wallabies - against England in 2002 - before playing at provincial level.

A former Australia U20 and Sevens star, he made his international bow as a 20-year-old when he came on as a replacement in the Wallabies' 32-31 loss at Twickenham.

The 41-year-old went on to become a regular for his country and featured at three Rugby World Cups - in 2003, 2007 and 2015. He also enjoyed great success with the Brumbies, winning two Super Rugby titles in 2004 and 2005.

His legacy will continue beyond his playing career after his decision to leave Australia in 2011 eventually forced Rugby Australia (RA) to change its eligibility laws.

In the build-up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, RA changed its contract restrictions for overseas-based players in what would come to be known as the ˜Giteau Law'.

That rule change meant Giteau and his Toulon team-mate Drew Mitchell became eligible for national selection and he played a prominent role as the Wallabies reached the World Cup Final against the All Blacks at Twickenham, but he was forced off the field with a head knock during the opening minutes of that match.

Giteau would eventually conclude his Test career in 2016 against New Zealand, scoring 698 points in his 103 appearances.

He went on to play in Japan and the USA and helped the Giltinis to the MLR title in 2021 under the guidance of head coach Darren Coleman who is now the Waratahs' boss.

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