13 Mar 2007

Wallabies Fijian winger re-signs with Australian Rugby Union

10:22 am on 13 March 2007

Wallabies winger Lote Tuqiri has ended speculation he would return to rugby league by agreeing to a new five-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU).

The Fijian accepted an offer from the ARU and New South Wales Waratahs just moments before last night's deadline.

The deal is believed to be worth nearly four million US dollars which will keep Tuqiri in rugby union until the end of 2012.

ARU Chief Executive Gary Flowers says the signature is a good deal for both parties and will allow everyone to now concentrate on this year's World Cup.

Tuqiri was already assured of playing at this year's tournament in France because his current contract does not expire until the end of the year, but his new deal means he will also be available for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

The 27-year-old has scored 25 tries in 50 tests for the Wallabies, since switching from rugby league in 2002.