Gregan signs new Wallabies deal

George Gregan appears destined to smash Jason Leonard’s world record and become the most capped player in rugby history after he today agreed a new three-year contract with the Australian Rugby Union.

The deal will take Gregan, the Australia captain and scrum-half, through to what would be his fourth World Cup, by which time he would easily have surpassed Leonard’s Test record of 114 caps.

“I still feel that I can improve as a player and I am really enjoying my football,” said Gregan, who will lead Australia on their November tour to France, Scotland and England.

Gregan overtook David Campese to become the most capped Australian international earlier this year when he made his 102nd appearance for the Wallabies against South Africa in the Tri-Nations.

With his current deal expiring in December, it was thought this season could have been Gregan’s last, particularly when he was replaced as captain of the ACT Brumbies by Stirling Mortlock.

But Gregan thrived with the reduced responsibility as the Brumbies stormed to the Super 12 title and he still has the hunger to continue – a blessing for Wallabies coach Eddie Jones who is hardly over-subscribed with options at scrum-half.

Gregan has missed only 10 Tests since making his debut against Italy in 1994. Chris Whitaker, his perennial understudy, is 31 next week with just 20 caps to his name. Matt Henjak, Harlequins’ new signing, only started one Super 12 game for the Brumbies last year and Josh Valentine fell out of favour.

“George has already achieved a lot in the game over the last 10 years and it’s terrific to see him continue his commitment to the Wallabies and Australian rugby,” Jones said.

“His professionalism, experience and leadership is without peer, and it will be a huge asset to the team going into the upcoming tour to France and the UK and then into next season.”

Gregan, who captained Australia to the World Cup final in Sydney, this year joined Leonard (114), Frenchman Philippe Sella (111) and Campese (101) as one of only four players in the history of the game to play 100 Test matches.