The Force is strong for Giteau

Matt Giteau will leave the ACT Brumbies to join the Western Force for next season.

Matt Giteau will reportedly become the highest paid player in Australian rugby history next year after agreeing a move to the Western Force.

The Wallabies centre will join the Perth-based franchise on a three-year deal - believed to be worth over one million dollars a season - from the ACT Brumbies.

The capture of the 23-year-old, who is regarded as one of the most creative backs in the world game, is a major coup for the Force.

They have understandably struggled in their first season in Super 14 but the signing of such an international star should help their cause.

"They have never been far off the pace and I want to be there when their luck changes and it all starts to take shape because it will be a very exciting time in the club's history," Giteau said after announcing the deal.

"When I was in Perth for the Brumbies game in February, I was surprised by the strong rugby following there."

Force coach John Mitchell is looking forward to working with Giteau, who is currently out of action with a knee injury, in the 2007 season.

"Matt can create something from nothing and will always ask the hard questions of his opposition," he said.

"He has great awareness of what's in front of him and is just the type of person we want to bring into our player mix.

"We will not give up on our vision of building a player mix which will see us contest the finals."

The Australian Rugby Union are not so impressed by the switch, though, and are to investigate the terms of the deal amid fears player salaries could spiral out of control.

Giteau's contract is thought to include some third-party agreements which would see him earn money through sponsorships and endorsements.

"Australian rugby and tour Super 14 provinces cannot afford for player salaries to spiral out of control," ARU managing director Gary Flowers said in a statement. 

"Just like any professional sport, our wages bill is one of our biggest costs and needs to be carefully managed to ensure our teams remain financially sustainable. 

"I have already met with Rugby Western Australia on this issue and in the meantime we will do all we can to ensure the current process is being correctly followed. Any allegations of breaches will be thoroughly investigated and dealt with accordingly."