With several Wallabies linked to a move to Europe, the Sun-Herald's Josh Rakic and Adrian Proszenko
believe the Australian Rugby Union have dropped the ball.
"The World Cup will be the last time the majority of the Wallabies play together as defections overseas or to rival codes threaten to decimate Australia's playing ranks.
"And The Sun-Herald can reveal that the ARU has made no attempt to retain superstar Matt Giteau although the 28-year-old playmaker stands to earn less in France than through his existing Wallabies deal. Fifteen other Wallabies stars are off contract in October but the governing body has less than a fortnight to secure some of the biggest names as cashed-up European clubs prepare to pounce.
"Hooker Stephen Moore and back-rower Huia Edmonds have already signed with Paris club Racing Metro and English side Saracens respectively, while Dean Mumm, Drew Mitchell, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Luke Burgess have been given strict signing deadlines from determined French clubs as they look to cement their rosters by February.
"ARU officials returned from their Christmas and New Year's holiday break last week to learn that international clubs had fast-tracked contract negotiations with their players, shifting contract deadlines to January - six months earlier than usual - in anticipation of a busy cup period."
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