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Matt Giteau

Matthew Giteau (born 29 September 1982) is an former professional player renowned for his versatility as a utility back, primarily playing as inside centre and fly-half, with over 100 appearances in and 103 caps for the Wallabies national team. Born in and raised in , Giteau debuted for the Brumbies in in 2001 without prior senior provincial experience, quickly establishing himself as a key playmaker and contributing to two championships in 2001 and 2004. Giteau's international career spanned three Rugby World Cups (2003, 2007, and 2015), where he was instrumental in the Wallabies' run to the 2015 final, scoring crucial tries and points across 103 Tests from 2002 to 2016. His recall to the national squad in 2015 under the newly introduced "Giteau Law"—allowing overseas-based players with over 60 caps to be selected—highlighted his enduring influence, named after him due to his pivotal role in policy discussions. After moving to France's in 2011, he achieved significant success, starting in all three finals (2013, 2014, and 2015) as the club secured a historic of titles, alongside two championships in 2013 and 2014. Following stints with Sungoliath in (2017–2020), where he won a title in 2020, and in (2021–2022), claiming the inaugural MLR championship in 2021, Giteau retired in February 2023 at age 40. However, he reversed his decision in December 2023, signing with the for the 2024 MLR season, before announcing his retirement from playing later that year. Off the field, Giteau is married to former netballer Bianca Franklin since 2010, with whom he has three children, and he remains involved in through and commentary.

Early life

Family background

Matthew James Giteau was born on 29 September 1982 in , , , but was raised in where his family had deep roots in the local sports community. Giteau's father, Ron Giteau, was a prominent rugby league player who captained the and amassed 226 first-grade games across clubs including Western Suburbs and the Raiders, instilling in his son an early passion for from a league perspective. Ron's coaching of local league teams in further immersed young in the sport, though the family environment—supported by his mother, Julie—encouraged a broader appreciation that eventually drew him toward . Giteau's older sister, Kristy Giteau, also contributed to the family's rugby heritage as a dual-code international for , representing the nation in both and , which fostered casual family games and discussions around the sport during his upbringing. This sibling dynamic, combined with Ron's legacy, provided Giteau's initial exposure to through informal family activities and participation in Canberra's local clubs, where he first honed his skills before transitioning to formal junior programs at St Edmund's College.

Education

Giteau attended St. Edmund's College in , where he transitioned from to during his school years. The school's strong program, influenced by his father's background in professional , helped ignite his passion for the sport. At St. Edmund's, Giteau developed his skills as a halfback, earning selection for the 'A' Schools team in 2000, where he showcased his early talent in that position. This representative honor highlighted his rapid progression in junior rugby, marking him as a standout prospect before entering professional ranks. Giteau did not pursue , opting instead for an early entry into professional rugby; he debuted for the Brumbies at age 18 in 2001 without any prior provincial experience. This direct path from school-level achievements to underscored his exceptional talent and accelerated development in the sport.

Club career

Brumbies (2001–2008)

Giteau made his Super Rugby debut for the in 2001 at the age of 18, quickly earning the nickname "Kid Dynamite" for his dynamic and explosive style of play. Initially positioned as a scrum-half, he showcased remarkable versatility by also filling roles at fly-half and centre, allowing coaches to deploy him across the backline as needed during his formative years with the franchise. Over the next seven seasons, Giteau became a cornerstone of the Brumbies' success, making 78 appearances and contributing 317 points through a combination of tries, conversions, penalties, and drop goals. He played a pivotal role in securing two titles for the team in 2001 and 2004, including key contributions in the triumphant 2004 against the Crusaders, where the Brumbies prevailed 47-38. That year, Giteau's standout performances earned him the Super 12/14 Player of the Year award, highlighting his growth into one of the competition's elite playmakers. Central to Giteau's development were his longstanding partnerships with Brumbies captain at scrum-half and fly-half , forming a formidable halves combination that drove the team's structured yet fluid attacking game. As he transitioned primarily to inside-centre, Giteau's vision, passing accuracy, and defensive solidity complemented Gregan's leadership and Larkham's tactical kicking, enabling the Brumbies to dominate possession and territory in high-stakes matches. This positional shift solidified his role as the link between the forwards and outside backs, enhancing the franchise's reputation for cohesive backline play. While establishing himself at club level, Giteau earned his first Wallabies cap in 2002 and remained a key figure for during the 2005 Tri-Nations, balancing demanding campaigns with international duties. His Brumbies tenure laid the foundation for a career defined by adaptability and consistent excellence in Australia's premier domestic competition.

Western Force (2007–2009)

Giteau's tenure with the Western Force from 2007 to 2009 marked a transitional phase in his club career, as he sought new challenges following his early successes with the Brumbies. Having joined the Perth franchise in 2007 on a three-year deal worth a reported A$4.5 million, he made 37 Super Rugby appearances across these three seasons, primarily at fly-half while occasionally shifting to inside centre to adapt to team needs. This positional versatility allowed him to influence games through creative playmaking and goal-kicking, though the Force struggled to build on their seventh-place finish from 2007, ending the 2008 and 2009 seasons in mid-table positions without reaching the playoffs. In 2008, Giteau was elevated to vice-captain alongside skipper , taking on a greater role amid the team's competitive but inconsistent campaign, where they secured 6 wins from 13 matches to finish 8th overall. He contributed key performances, such as scoring all 16 points in a narrow 16-15 victory over the , helping establish the Force as a more formidable side. The following year, 2009, saw Giteau experiment further with his positioning, but minor injuries, including a neck issue early in the season, limited his availability to 12 appearances out of 13 games. Despite his efforts, including orchestrating attacks in wins like a 25-16 upset against the Brumbies, the Force again finished 8th with a 5-7-1 record, underscoring the franchise's challenges in pushing for silverware. Over his Force stint, Giteau amassed 293 points, highlighting his impact as a primary goal-kicker and . Throughout this period, Giteau balanced his club duties with ongoing Wallabies commitments, playing in all 13 Tests in and earning selection for the 2009 international season. At the end of 2009, financial uncertainties arose when his third-party sponsorship from Holdings collapsed, prompting him to seek a release from the final year of his contract; he ultimately returned to the Brumbies for , citing a desire for stability and a return to familiar surroundings in . This shift concluded his time with the Force, paving the way for further career moves abroad in pursuit of major trophies.

RC Toulon (2011–2017)

In 2011, Matt Giteau signed a three-year contract with RC Toulon, the deal facilitated by club owner Mourad Boudjellal as part of the French side's ambition to build a star-studded squad for the Top 14 and Heineken Cup. He joined the team in November following Australia's Rugby World Cup campaign, transitioning from Australian rugby to the more physical and tactical European style. Over six seasons with Toulon from 2011 to 2017, Giteau made 112 appearances and contributed more than 500 points, establishing himself as a versatile playmaker capable of operating at fly-half or inside centre. His arrival bolstered a backline already featuring England legend Jonny Wilkinson, with whom Giteau formed a potent partnership in attack and distribution. Giteau's tenure coincided with Toulon's dominant era in European rugby, as the club secured three Heineken Cup/European Rugby Champions Cup titles in 2013, 2014, and 2015, with Giteau starting in all three finals and playing pivotal roles in victories over Clermont Auvergne (twice) and Saracens. The 2013 triumph came in a tense 16-15 win against Clermont at , where Giteau's tactical kicking and offloads helped control the game despite Jonny Wilkinson's match-winning . In 2014, Toulon defended their title with a 23-6 defeat of Saracens at , Giteau scoring a crucial try early in the second half to seal the result. The 2015 final saw another 24-15 victory over Clermont at , completing a historic for the club and showcasing Giteau's composure under pressure. Additionally, Toulon claimed the Top 14 title in 2014, defeating 18-10 in the final at , with Giteau's precise passing unlocking defenses in a low-scoring, gritty encounter. His performances earned him a for the ERC Player of the Year award in 2014. The arrival of Welsh full-back in 2014 further strengthened Toulon's backline, creating a world-class unit where Giteau thrived as the primary orchestrator, feeding runners like and with incisive short passes and flat-line runs. This period of success came at a cost to his international career, as Giteau's overseas move led to his exclusion from the Wallabies under Australia's policy limiting selections to domestically based players from 2012 to 2014. Despite multiple final appearances in subsequent years—runners-up in 2013, 2016, and 2017—Toulon could not add to their major honors after 2015 amid increasing squad injuries and competition intensity. Giteau departed in 2017 upon the expiry of his contract, following a season marked by reported tensions with owner over team management and playing time, ending his time at the club with five major trophies.

Suntory Sungoliath (2017–2020)

In 2017, Matt Giteau joined Suntory Sungoliath in Japan's Top League, seeking a new challenge closer to his family in after six demanding years in . The move allowed for a reduced playing schedule compared to , aligning with his desire for better work-life balance at age 35, while contributing his extensive experience as a utility back primarily at fly-half and inside centre. Over three seasons, he made 26 appearances, scoring 7 tries and 196 points, often serving as a mentor to younger players, guiding the backs' development toward national team aspirations. Giteau's adaptation to involved navigating cultural and linguistic challenges, including language barriers and the league's high-speed play, though he expressed excitement about rugby's professionalism and new experiences like local . Initially, his family relocated with him to support this transition, with his children helping maintain balance amid the demands of training, which he described as rigorous and internationally competitive. In his debut 2017–18 season, Giteau played a key role in Suntory's Top League championship victory, emphasizing team success through attention to fine details rather than individual stardom. The 2019–20 season was curtailed by the , with the Top League cancelled in March after just six games for Giteau, prompting him to reflect on his career's end. At 37, he announced his from professional in , prioritizing family time and the lifestyle benefits gained from the less intense Asian schedule, though he later reconsidered for a brief return elsewhere.

LA Giltinis (2021–2022)

In 2021, at the age of 38, Matt Giteau signed with the newly formed LA Giltinis in Major League Rugby (MLR), marking his return to professional rugby in the Americas after a stint in Japan where he had announced his retirement from the sport. Over two seasons, he made 20 appearances for the team, showcasing his versatility as a utility back capable of playing multiple positions in the backline. Giteau's contributions were pivotal to the Giltinis' success, including scoring over 100 points through a combination of tries, conversions, and penalties, which helped establish the team's attacking prowess. He played a key role in their 2021 MLR championship victory in their inaugural season, starting in the grand final where the Giltinis defeated Rugby ATL 36-26. In August 2022, following the championship defense attempt, Giteau announced his retirement from professional rugby after a 20-year , citing a desire to prioritize family time and manage ongoing health concerns from accumulated injuries. During his tenure, he also mentored younger players on the roster, drawing on his extensive experience to foster team development and leadership. The disbanded after the 2022 season due to ownership and league-related issues, ending Giteau's brief but impactful MLR chapter.

San Diego Legion (2024–present)

In December 2023, at the age of 41, Matt Giteau announced his unretirement from professional and signed a one-year contract with the for the 2024 (MLR) season, marking his return to the league following a brief after the 2022 campaign with the . During the 2024 season, Giteau served as a principal , primarily at fly-half and inside centre, appearing in 8 matches and contributing 59 points through 7 tries, 7 conversions, and 15 penalties. The , bolstered by his experience, mounted a strong playoff push, finishing third in the Western Conference with an 11-5 regular-season record before exiting in the conference semifinals. Giteau re-signed with the Legion and continued his playing role through the 2025 MLR season. In the 2025 season, he appeared in 10 matches, adding 45 points (3 tries, 5 conversions, 11 penalties), helping the team finish fourth in the Western Conference with a 9-7 record and reach the conference final. As of November 2025, Giteau has accumulated 38 appearances across his MLR career. In July 2025, the merged with rival MLR side RFC to form the California , a unified franchise set to debut in the 2026 season with home games across , , and venues. Giteau remained with the restructured organization, expected to continue playing for the California Legion in 2026. As of November 2025, Giteau participated in high-profile exhibition matches, including the Classic Wallabies' 41-31 victory over the British & Irish Legends in on July 24, 2025, where he featured alongside fellow Wallabies veterans.

International career

Wallabies debut and early years (2002–2005)

Matt Giteau's rapid ascent to the Wallabies was facilitated by his breakout performances with the in , earning him a surprise call-up to the national squad at age 20. He made his debut on 16 November 2002 against at , entering as a substitute in a 32-31 loss and showcasing his versatility early in his international career. Initially deployed as a scrum-half in several early appearances, Giteau adapted quickly to the demands of rugby, accumulating 24 caps by the end of 2005 through consistent selection under coaches Eddie Jones and then Alan Jones. Giteau's breakthrough came during the , where Australia advanced to the semi-finals as hosts and defending champions. Selected in the 45-man preliminary squad and retained for the final 30, he featured in five matches, often providing impactful substitute appearances that energized the backline. His standout contributions included scoring his first try as a replacement scrum-half against Romania in a 90-8 pool win, where he evaded defenders for a 65-meter individual effort, and delivering a in the record 142-0 rout of Namibia, helping set a high for margin of victory. Overall, Giteau tallied 32 points in the tournament, underscoring his growing influence despite the Wallabies' eventual 22-10 semi-final loss to . By mid-2003, Giteau transitioned primarily to fly-half and inside centre, roles that suited his playmaking vision and kicking accuracy, gradually supplanting veterans like in selector preferences. His form in the subsequent Tri-Nations series solidified this shift, with starts at No. 10 highlighting his ability to orchestrate attacks alongside . Entering , Giteau's starring role in the Brumbies' title win—where he excelled as a versatile No. 10/12—translated directly to Wallabies duty, earning him starts across the Tri-Nations campaign against and . He featured in all 13 Tests that year, amassing 150 points overall from 2002 to 2005, including penalties, conversions, and tries that established him as Australia's leading scorer in with 81 points. This period marked Giteau's establishment as a cornerstone of the backline, blending creativity with reliability amid Australia's competitive southern hemisphere battles.

Peak years and World Cups (2006–2011)

During the period from 2006 to 2011, Matt Giteau established himself as a cornerstone of the Wallabies backline, earning 68 Test caps and contributing significantly to Australia's international campaigns, including the . Playing primarily as a fly-half or inside centre, Giteau's versatility allowed him to adapt to various roles, amassing over 500 career points by the end of 2011, with his total Test points reaching 684 across 92 appearances. His consistent selection reflected his status as a key playmaker, though availability was occasionally affected by club commitments with the . Giteau's standout international moment came during the in , where advanced to the quarter-finals as pool winners before a 10-12 loss to . He featured in six of the Wallabies' seven matches, primarily at inside centre (No. 12), scoring 34 points through a combination of tries, conversions, and penalties, including a try against in a 32-20 pool win. Giteau also played a pivotal role in the Tri Nations series from 2006 to 2010, participating in multiple fixtures against and , where secured several victories but did not claim the title; notable contributions included dropped goals and try assists in high-stakes encounters, such as the 2008 series opener against the All Blacks. In 2010, Giteau formed a promising half-back partnership with emerging fly-half , shifting to inside centre to complement Cooper's attacking flair during and Tests, a combination hailed for its innovative and described as a "masterclass" by legend after a 33-12 Grand Slam-deciding win over the . Giteau's key tries, such as against in a 26-24 Tri Nations thriller, and his playmaking assists underscored his offensive prowess, though he faced criticism for defensive lapses, with opponents like the All Blacks targeting him to disrupt Australia's structure by overloading his channel. Despite these vulnerabilities, Giteau was widely praised for his exceptional game and , enabling dynamic attacks that elevated the Wallabies' backline during this peak phase.

Exile from national team (2012–2014)

In 2011, following his omission from the Wallabies squad for the , Matt Giteau signed a three-year contract with French club , effective after the tournament, which rendered him ineligible for international selection under the Australian Rugby Union's (ARU) longstanding policy barring overseas-based players from national team duties. This rule, in place since the mid-2000s to prioritize domestic retention and development, meant Giteau's last Test appearance came against in July 2011, leaving him with 92 caps and no further opportunities until a policy shift three years later. The decision sparked significant public debate and media scrutiny in , with rugby legends and analysts arguing that Giteau's standout performances at —where he was often hailed as one of Europe's top playmakers—warranted an exception to the rule, yet ARU officials maintained the policy to strengthen franchises. Giteau himself expressed bitterness over his 2011 exclusion and considered a return to rugby, but concluded that even strong domestic form would not guarantee Wallabies recall under the rigid overseas ban, effectively closing the door on any immediate reinstatement attempts. With national team prospects halted, Giteau shifted his focus entirely to club at , where he contributed to back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014. This period culminated in April 2015 when the ARU announced a policy reversal, dubbed the "Giteau Law" in his honor, permitting up to three overseas-based veterans with at least 60 Test caps and seven seasons to be selected per squad, thereby paving the way for his potential recall.

2015 World Cup recall

In June 2015, at the age of 32, Matt Giteau was unexpectedly recalled to the Wallabies squad after a four-year absence from international , prompted by a rule change from the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) that allowed the selection of overseas-based players with at least 60 Test caps. This adjustment, later formalized as the "Giteau Law," enabled his return from and opened pathways for other experienced players like . Giteau described the opportunity as surreal, marking an emotional comeback following his exclusion since the . Prior to the , Giteau featured in two Test matches during the , starting at inside centre against on 18 July (a 24–20 win) and on 8 August (an 8–27 loss); he missed the match against due to a sternum . His composure and distribution skills quickly re-established him as a key playmaker under coach , providing vital experience to a rebuilding team. Giteau was named in Australia's 31-man squad for the and played in six of the team's seven matches, contributing significantly to their run to the final. He recorded assists in pool-stage victories over and , including his late try against that secured a 33–13 win and eliminated the hosts, and an assist in the quarterfinal win over , where he earned his 100th cap. In the semi-final win over , he started, before featuring briefly in the final against on 31 October, a 34–17 loss where he was substituted early due to ; this appearance marked his 102nd Test cap. The , solidified after his successful recall, continued to influence Wallabies selections, such as that of in subsequent years.

Retirement from internationals (2016)

Following the , Giteau was omitted from the Wallabies squad for the June 2016 home series against due to his club Toulon's refusal to release him, but he was later named in the training group for the after negotiations. He made his final international appearance on 20 August 2016, starting at inside centre in the opening Rugby Championship Test against at Sydney's . Giteau lasted just nine minutes before suffering a broken left ankle in Australia's 42-8 defeat, an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the tournament and the year; this was his 103rd cap. Giteau effectively retired from international rugby shortly after the injury, admitting in late August 2016 that his Wallabies playing days were likely over as he returned to for surgery and rehabilitation, prioritizing his club commitments and family at age 33. There was no formal farewell or further national team involvement, marking a quiet end to a career that had seen his dramatic the previous year. Over 14 years and spanning three World Cups, Giteau amassed 103 caps for —placing him sixth all-time at the time—along with 30 tries and 698 points from kicking, ranking him third on the Wallabies' all-time points list behind and Matt Burke. Wallabies coach , who had lobbied for Giteau's 2015 recall and relied on his versatility and experience, paid tribute to the utility back as one of Australia's modern greats, crediting his intelligence and leadership in key victories.

Personal life

Family

Matt Giteau married Bianca Franklin, a former professional player who represented teams including the Perth Orioles, Darters, and West Coast Fever, on 11 December 2010 on the Gold Coast. The couple first met at the Australian Institute of Sport in , where both were involved in their respective sports. Giteau and Franklin have three children: sons Levi, born on 1 January 2012, and Kai, born on 12 November 2013 in Toulon, France, and daughter Winter, born on 24 July 2020. The family relocated to Toulon, France, in late 2011 following Giteau's signing with the club, where they welcomed their first two children and adjusted to life abroad, with Giteau crediting the move for providing better work-life balance amid his professional demands. In 2017, they moved to Japan for Giteau's contract with Suntory Sungoliath, a decision driven by the family's wish to be geographically closer to Australia while continuing his career. By 2021, the family had settled in the United States upon Giteau's joining of Major League Rugby's LA Giltinis, later moving to San Diego with the Legion, where Bianca has supported the frequent transitions by prioritizing family stability. Throughout these relocations, Giteau has emphasized Bianca's role in maintaining family support, allowing him to focus on rugby while fostering a balanced home life.

Business and media involvement

Following his from professional in 2023, Giteau has engaged in various endorsement deals, leveraging his status as a Wallabies legend. In 2025, he became a for , the hardware wallet company, as part of a year-long Australian campaign alongside fellow retired Wallabies and current player , aimed at promoting crypto security through themes of resilience and precision drawn from their careers. Earlier in his career, Giteau held endorsement agreements with , including deals for boots and apparel that highlighted his role in the Wallabies squad during the mid-2000s. In media, Giteau has transitioned into and analysis, co-hosting the Kick Offs and Kick Ons with former Wallabies teammates and , where episodes explore anecdotes, life after the game, and Wallabies history, launched in 2023 and continuing into 2025. He has also made guest appearances on shows like The Pod, discussing 's challenges and the Springboks' dominance, as well as Bricks , sharing insights on mental preparation and goal-kicking routines from his playing days. Additionally, Giteau serves as an ambassador for World 12s, a global variant tournament, joining figures like and to promote the event's innovative format. In 2025, Giteau participated in the Classic Wallabies' exhibition series against the British & Irish Legends, a two-match event tied to the British & Irish Lions Tour, where he scored a try in the opening 41-31 victory in Melbourne on July 24 and contributed to the series sweep with a 31-26 win in Sydney on July 31, marking a nostalgic return to the green and gold at age 42. Through his role with the California Legion, formed by the 2025 merger of San Diego Legion and Rugby Football Club Los Angeles (RFCLA), Giteau is associated with the club's Legion Community Foundation, which expanded post-merger to support youth rugby initiatives, flag rugby programs, and community outreach in Southern California.

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