Waratahs captain Jake Gordon has opened up about his failed bid to head to France, saying he doesn't hold ill feelings towards Rugby Australia for blocking the move.
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Gordon is contracted with the Waratahs and Australian rugby until the end of 2025, but the star halfback was keen to secure an early release to play for French outfit Perpignan.
However, the 30-year-old's hopes were scuppered by RA, who are remaining steadfast in holding Gordon to his contract.
Gordon, who is on the fringes in the Wallabies' set-up, is now resigned to the fact that his overseas dream will have to be put on hold.
"There was a little bit of back and forth over the last sort of month or so," Gordon said of his dealings with RA.
"What they said to me is basically I need to honour my contract here. I think it's probably the right thing to do at the moment.
"I love the Waratahs, and I've loved my time to date here in Australian rugby. I'm not saying that's changed at all.
"But as a player, you're always looking for opportunities.
"And I was fortunate enough I'd spoken with the French club, and those opportunities don't come around all the time and it was an exciting one too.
"But also at the same time, there's an exciting opportunity here over the next 12 months as well.
"So I'm happy I'm staying here for the next 12 months and I'm excited for that challenge."
Gordon indicated there was no animosity in the dialogue between him and RA.
"I wouldn't say it was 'I'm out and going'," he said.
"It was more 'How do you feel about it? Can you see a potential of me staying in this club?'
"It wasn't a direct, 'I want out, release me'. It was a conversation and a good one."
Gordon's situation comes amidst a backdrop of doom-and-gloom in Australian rugby.
The debt-ridden Melbourne Rebels are facing the chop at the end of the Super Rugby season, while the once-mighty Waratahs sit last on the table and are weighing up whether to part ways with coach Darren Coleman.
The dark clouds are convincing more and more Australian players to seek the riches of overseas rugby.
"If I'm being honest, there's a lot of uncertainty at the moment." Gordon said.
"I feel for the guys down in Melbourne. There's a lot of movement.
"But what is exciting is the Wallabies set up and what they've got happening over the next 18 months with (new coach) Joe (Schmidt), who has come in and organised a really good program around him.
"The British and Irish Lions is going to be a great opportunity, we've got the Spring Tour at the end of the year, and Wales and Georgia in July.
"It's an exciting time if they get it right."
Gordon will notch his 100th Super Rugby game for the Waratahs in Saturday's must-win contest with the Western Force in Perth.
The Waratahs (2-9) sit five competition points adrift of eighth spot, meaning they will need to win their last three games to have a chance of sneaking into the eight-team finals.
Australian Associated Press
