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Cape Town - The Brumbies have announced that Wallabies wing Henry Speight has signed a one-year contract extension, ending speculation about a European move.
Speight had been weighing up a possible overseas switch, saying back in January the European lifestyle and possibility for travel was a major draw card.
Ultimately, though, the lure of another World Cup appearance has kept the 30-year-old in Australia for another season.
The new deal locks him in until the end of 2019, with next year's Japan tournament a target for Speight.
"There’s still a lot to achieve with both the Brumbies and the Wallabies so I’m really excited to be staying in Canberra for another year," he said.
"The World Cup is a big target of mine. I really enjoyed the experience in 2015 but I want to go one step further next year so hopefully I’m part of that."
Speight said he also felt he had unfinished business in Super Rugby with the Brumbies.
"Dan (McKellar) is also building something very special at the Brumbies and they have done so much for me since I moved here to Australia," he added.
After some injury-plagued seasons and a disjointed 2016, where he balanced Sevens and XVs, Speight has re-discovered some of his best form in recent times and has shown some spark for the Brumbies this season.
Speight played eight Tests for the Wallabies in 2017, the most of his career since his 2014 debut and Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said Speight was still a valued player at international level.
"Henry has shown how much he wants to represent the Brumbies and the Wallabies by knocking back big money offers from Europe to stay and play his rugby in Australia," he said.
"It shows the quality of character in the man and you need character like that to be a quality player.
"I'm sure he's going to have a huge impact on our game over the next 18 months leading into the World Cup."
