Gregan secures his Wallaby future

Australian captain George Gregan has ended months of speculation over his future with the Wallabies after signing a new three-year contract with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) taking him through to the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France.

George Gregan: Another three years

The 31-year-old scrum-half holds the Australian Test-cap record with 102 appearances for the Wallabies and trails only England prop Jason Leonard (114) and French great Philippe Sella (111).

But with Gregan playing arguably some of his best rugby Leonard's record of 114 could be shattered by the time the evergreen Australian finally calls it a day.

Gregan is easily one of the most influential players in Australian rugby's recent history and the move was welcomed by ARU CEO Gary Flowers.

"As we head into the tenth year of professional Rugby in Australia, there's no question George has been the consummate professional throughout this decade," Flowers said.

"That leadership and professionalism are something which will benefit the younger players coming through our system.

"Rugby has kicked along brilliantly off the back of the Rugby World Cup last year. You don't get this year's record crowds, television ratings and player numbers without those special players like George. This is good news for Australian Rugby."

Gregan stood down from the ACT Brumbies captaincy this season with many experts believing the Wallaby skipper would hang up his boots at the end of the Super 12. But the Brumbies veteran is looking forward to the next three years with the Canberra outfit.

"I believe the Brumbies and the Wallabies have a lot of great rugby ahead and I am excited at the prospect of being a part of that over the next three years," said Gregan.

"I still feel that I can improve as a player and I am really enjoying my football. I look forward to the challenge of playing with two teams that are dedicated to excellence."

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones, who has loudly advocated that Gregan should stay on all season,  welcomed Gregan's decision.

"George has already achieved a lot in the game over the last ten years and it's terrific to see him continue his commitment to the Wallabies and Australian Rugby," said Jones.

"His professionalism, experience and leadership are without peer, and it will be a huge asset to the team going into the upcoming Spring Tour to France and the UK and then into next season."

Brumbies Rugby Chief Executive Rob Clarke said George Gregan has been an outstanding servant of Australian Rugby.

"George's re-signing is wonderful news for Australia and wonderful news for Brumbies Rugby. He is an icon of the sport and we're delighted that he has agreed to play on."

But while Gregan's decision is a welcome boost for the ARU, Chris Whitaker - Gregan's long-suffering understudy - will have to resign himself to the Wallaby bench for another three years.