Giteau's future up in smoke
May 28 2008
The Western Force will be hoping to convince star player Matt Giteau that his future lies in Perth beyond 2009, despite a third-party payment wrangle that has seen several players not paid properly.
In March, Giteau committed himself to the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) until 2011 but would not say whether he will continue with the Force beyond his contract expiring in 2009.
In a further blow to the Force's chances of retaining the star Wallaby, a third-party payment deal with club sponsor Firepower - one which saw the company offer salary subsidies as an incentive to get players like Giteau, Cameron Shepherd, Drew Mitchell and Ryan Cross to come to Western Australia - has started unravelling and the fuel technology company is believed to be behind in its payments to those players.
However, Rugby Western Australia (RugbyWA) chief executive Greg Harris said the Force was trying to find other sponsors who could pay these salary subsidies.
"We are currently working through some critical issues with a small group of players who have third party arrangements with the company," said Harris.
"The players have made us aware of the issues and as a responsible employer we will do everything we can to achieve the best possible outcome for those whose third-party arrangements are under duress.
"As far as we're concerned, Matt is contracted to the Western Force until the end of the 2009 season and we are hopeful that he will remain with the club for the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
"That said, it is our number one priority to ensure that we retain the likes of Matt and other senior players on our list.
"It is my understanding that a very attractive offer has been made to Matt and his management to assist in extending his contract with the Emirates Western Force beyond 2009."
Firepower is currently a sleeve sponsor of the Western Force, while also sponsoring the club's rugby academy, although, it is expected the Force will now seek new sponsorship in these areas.