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Any request from Wallabies star Matt Giteau for a Dan Carter-style French "sabbatical" is likely to be refused, the Australian Rugby Union has said.
Giteau has reportedly been offered a staggering A$10 million (NZ$12 million) for four years by Bayonne, the French rugby club which attracted former National Rugby League star Craig Gower.
The Wallabies first five-eighth has also been quoted in the French media as saying he would be interested in a stint in France similar to Carter's with Perpignan.
"Our position is we don't entertain sabbaticals," an ARU spokesman said.
Giteau, 26, is contracted to the ARU until the end of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. But his deal with Super 14 side the Western Force expires at the end of next year and he is believed to want out of Perth over non-payments from a third party to his contract. Previously he has been linked to a return to the Brumbies.
Like All Blacks, Australians who do not play in the Super 14 are ineligible for national selection.
- AAP
