In an ongoing battle with French rugby, the Australian Rugby Union has successfully secured the re-signing of key players Drew Mitchell and Ben Alexander through the end of 2013.
With both players turning down substantial offers to join club teams in France, the total number of Wallabies re-signing has now reached four within a five-day period, following the recent agreements of Stephen Moore and Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Drew Mitchell, who will also continue with the Waratahs for an additional two seasons, expressed that the opportunity to contribute to an exciting era for the Wallabies was irresistible.
‘Since 2005, I’ve had the privilege to be involved with the Wallabies, and although I have enjoyed many memorable moments, we haven’t managed to secure significant titles like the Bledisloe Cup, the Tri Nations, or the World Cup,’ remarked Mitchell, a veteran with 55 Tests under his belt.
‘Given the advancements we’ve made as a team, especially in the last two years, I believe we can capture those titles.’
‘I didn’t want to depart without maximizing my chance to be part of those winning moments.’
‘We are now winning matches in situations that previously hindered us.’
‘For me, that’s a strong sign of the progress made by the team and the potential that still exists.’
‘I’d like to believe that our best days lie ahead, not only for the Wallabies collectively but also for my individual growth as a player.’
Ben Alexander, who will remain with the Brumbies until 2013 as well,
reflected on his consideration of moving abroad but revealed that the feeling of unfinished business in rugby made his final choice straightforward.
‘I took the time to thoroughly evaluate my options as this was a crucial decision for my career,’ stated the 24-Test prop.
‘I established a list of criteria that mattered to me, which helped immensely. Once I completed that process, staying was an easy choice.’
‘Over the last three years, we have put in significant effort with the Wallabies to reach this stage of our development.’
‘There’s more hard work ahead—perhaps the toughest is yet to come—but we all feel that we are on the brink of something special; that the best of the team still lies ahead.’
‘Leaving this journey wasn’t really an option for me.’
The ARU’s John O’Neill expressed his enthusiasm regarding the recent player re-signings.
‘The most gratifying part of the past week has been witnessing our top players’ commitment to making the Wallabies the best team globally, as they feel driven to complete the task and see the allure in playing against the Lions,’ O’Neill shared.
‘They currently rank No. 2 in the world but remain unsatisfied. I believe Australian Rugby fans will find reassurance in their dedication to continual improvement and restoring significant trophies to the cabinet.’
by Buford Balony
