Brisbane - The Reds have announced that scrumhalf and vice-captain Will Genia will join their rivals, the Force, in Perth next season.
The 24-year-old was instrumental in the Reds team that won the Super Rugby tournament last year, scoring a brilliant individual try in the final against the Crusaders to help swing the game in his side's favour.
Queensland Rugby CEO Jim Carmichael said Genia would leave the Reds at the end of the year with the organisation’s best wishes.
“I believe Queensland Rugby made the best offer we could to retain Will’s services in Queensland, however the opportunity presented to head West was ultimately more appealing to Will,” Carmichael said.
“We wish Will all the best next year at the Force and thank him for all his has given to the Reds and Queensland rugby during throughout the last six seasons.”
A hefty asking price is apparently what forced Genia out of the Reds' set-up, as the scrumhalf reportedly wanted upwards of $400 000 per season to stay.
The Papua New Guinean-born Genia played 57 games for the Reds, while also representing the Wallabies 27 times.
The 24-year-old was instrumental in the Reds team that won the Super Rugby tournament last year, scoring a brilliant individual try in the final against the Crusaders to help swing the game in his side's favour.
Queensland Rugby CEO Jim Carmichael said Genia would leave the Reds at the end of the year with the organisation’s best wishes.
“I believe Queensland Rugby made the best offer we could to retain Will’s services in Queensland, however the opportunity presented to head West was ultimately more appealing to Will,” Carmichael said.
“We wish Will all the best next year at the Force and thank him for all his has given to the Reds and Queensland rugby during throughout the last six seasons.”
A hefty asking price is apparently what forced Genia out of the Reds' set-up, as the scrumhalf reportedly wanted upwards of $400 000 per season to stay.
The Papua New Guinean-born Genia played 57 games for the Reds, while also representing the Wallabies 27 times.