THE ACT Brumbies are set to beat the Melbourne Rebels in the race to sign young stars Matt Toomua and Christian Lealiifano for next season.
The Sunday Canberra Times understands Toomua has officially told the Rebels he's not interested in joining them for their inaugural season of 2011.
Lealiifano is understood to be still contemplating the southern interest but will more than likely stay with the Brumbies.
The Rebels' recruitment deadline ceases on March15, after which they can start officially signing Australian-based players to their roster.
The only player officially on their books at the moment is Englishman Danny Cipriani. One of their prime targets is Brumbies and Wallabies outside centre Stirling Mortlock.
While Mortlock's move to Melbourne appeared a fait accompli a fortnight ago, the process has since slowed down considerably, due to the three-year deal the 32-year-old is seeking. The Sunday Canberra Times understands Rebels coach Rod Macqueen is happy to offer Mortlock the long deal but chief executive Brian Waldron is only interested in a maximum two-year offer.
The Brumbies would only offer Mortlock a one-season contract extension, which he would not accept, so if the Rebels conundrum is not solved he will likely head to Europe.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times
Source: The Canberra Times
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