Mortlock to stay with Brumbies

Feb 29 2008 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

STIRLING MORTLOCK revealed he turned down lucrative offers from abroad so he could steer Australia into a new era with coach Robbie Deans at the helm.

The Wallabies captain has signed a contract with the Brumbies until the end of the 2010 season and the deal will almost certainly ensure he ends his career with the Super 14 team.

The centre, who has 63 caps, explained it was worth rejecting the advances of numerous clubs from Japan and Europe to have the chance of playing alongside the next generation of talent as Deans attempts a renaissance in Australian rugby.

“It’s something I didn’t want to turn my back on at this stage,” Mortlock said.

“One of the significant factors for me was to be part of Australian rugby’s next generation.”