THE Australian Rugby Union could make Matt Giteau the Wallabies captain by the next World Cup in a move intended to appease him after it blocks a lucrative move to French club rugby.
Although the in-form Australia skipper Stirling Mortlock is hoping to stick around until the 2011 World Cup, there are some doubts over whether, in three seasons, he will still be playing high-intensity football at the age of 34 and officials have privately been considering other long-term captaincy options.
Among those high on the list is Giteau, whose poise and standout performances on this end-of-season tour have made him suddenly regarded by the hierarchy as a future Test leader.
Giteau was even captain for a few minutes against Wales at Millennium Stadium on Saturday night when replacement skipper Phil Waugh had to leave the field.
Giteau confirmed at the weekend that he had received a four-season offer worth $9.6 million to play for French side Bayonne, but there is one crucial sticking point - he cannot take up the offer unless the ARU releases him from his contract.
And that will not happen. Giteau is contracted until the end of the 2011 season, and under International Rugby Board regulations he needs an ARU release if he wants to play overseas. Without that release, the overseas club or province is prevented by the IRB from registering him, and so cannot play him.
Giteau cannot do a Sonny Bill Williams and walk away from his contract because the IRB laws binds all rugby nations. Legal action by Giteau is not an option either, as the IRB can ban Bayonne if they play him.
The only choice Giteau has is to ask the ARU for an early release. The ARU will show no interest, as it does not want to lose its prime playmaker, who a few days ago was described by former Welsh star Jonathan Davies as the world's best No.10. The ARU looks upon Giteau as one of its key players in 2011 World Cup plans.
Unlike the New Zealand Rugby Union, which has allowed All Blacks five-eighth Daniel Carter a "sabbatical" to play in France, the ARU has no interest in following a similar course. The ARU wants its key players involved in the Super 14 tournament and strictly stipulates that only those who are part of the local competitions are eligible to play for the Wallabies. The ARU has been firmly opposed to selecting overseas players for the Wallabies, as shown recently when the board stopped moves to make Rocky Elsom, now playing in Ireland, available for Australia on this end-of-season tour.
It is also understood Giteau is already having reservations about the French offer. He has been told the ARU's position on the issue and is aware he will not be provided with a sabbatical.
Giteau stressed on Saturday night that he was a proud member of the Wallabies, and seemed determined to remain part of the Australian team.
He would spend the next fortnight thinking about his options, including whether to stay with the Western Force, or head back to the ACT Brumbies, primarily because of a failed third-party deal involving Firepower.
Giteau could return to Canberra as early as next season, but will have to make a decision soon.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said if Giteau wanted to talk to him about his future, he would be happy to provide some advice.
"Matt has had a great year," Deans said. "He'll make his own choices, as everyone does. Obviously, we'd be hopeful that he'd stick around, but that's his call."
When asked if he would "get in Giteau's ear", Deans replied: "No, not at all. Obviously if he seeks counsel, I would help him with his decision-making. At the end of the day, it's his decision because he's the bloke who has to live with it. He's also got more to do yet."