Australia second-row Rory Arnold signs three-year ARU deal
Friday 16 December 2016 09:59, UK
Wallabies second-row Rory Arnold has signed a new deal with the Australian Rugby Union, committing his future to Australian rugby and the Brumbies until the 2019 World Cup.
Arnold, 26, broke into the Wallabies side during the 2016 season and had attracted admiring glances from the likes of three-time European champions Toulon.
Should Arnold have left Australian shores he would have been ineligible for the national side such is Wallaby selection policy, and the Brumbies forward admitted the upcoming 2019 World Cup played a part in his decision.
"It was flattering to receive offers from overseas, and it wasn't an easy decision to make, but I am committed to the Brumbies, and Australian rugby," Arnold said in an official statement.
"I am looking forward to attempting to stake a claim for a regular place in both the Super Rugby and international line-ups.
"The lure of the Rugby World Cup in 2019 played a major part in my decision and I was hesitant to head overseas too early in my career."
The news will come as a huge boost to Wallaby coach Michael Cheika who deployed Arnold with 25-year-old Adam Coleman in the Australia second-row last season in a combination many feel is the future of Australian rugby.
At 6'10" tall Arnold is one of the largest players in the sport and made his debut for Australia against England in June, going on to play a total of nine tests under Cheika.
