Too good to say no How Matt Giteau lured Will Chambers to LA rugby

Will Chambers will link up with Wallabies great and former Suntory teammate Matt Giteau at Major League Rugby franchise the Los Angeles Giltinis next year.

After not being offered a new deal by Cronulla, Chambers was ready to call time on his cross-code career when he was contacted by new Giltinis coach, Stephen Hoiles.

Will Chambers.Credit:Getty

Giltinis star Matt Giteau had put Hoiles in touch in Chambers when the MLR champions began looking for a replacement for former Wallabies centre Adam Ashley-Cooper, who retired at the end of last season.

“To be honest, I was ready to finish up with footy but the opportunity to go and live in another country and play rugby over there, for an organisation that won the competition last year, it was probably too good to say no too,” Chambers told the Herald.

“After speaking to Hoilesy and Gits, it was pretty straightforward, making the decision. It’s something I’m excited about. I can’t wait to get over there.”

Chambers has signed a two-year deal, and will help plug the hole left by Ashley-Cooper, who has stayed on in LA and will be the club’s backs coach next season.

Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper at the new $6 billion SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.Credit:Getty

Giteau and Ashley-Cooper led the side to the MLR championship last season, and that lure proved strong for Chambers, who enjoyed plenty of success at the Melbourne Storm and the Queensland Reds in his first foray into the 15-man game.

“I was fortunate I went to the Reds when I went to the Reds, and I had some success there,” Chambers said.

“I’ve always enjoyed rugby and always thought I would go back to it. I guess I was fortunate at the Storm, that I was around success there as well.

“That’s the big thing. I like to be around places that are winners. To my wife’s credit, she’s happy to just move around and live life. You never know what could happen next.”

Matt Giteau is tackled by Apisai Naikatini of Old Glory DC in the MLR.Credit:Getty

As for the standard of MLR?

San Diego Legion’s recruitment of one of the best centres of all time - All Blacks great Ma’a Nonu - has Chambers well aware of the task at hand.

“I just saw Ma’a Nonu signed for San Diego, so there’s clearly still quality centres over there,” he said.

“Yeah, he’s a bit older, but he’s a world-class player. On his day, he was the most destructive centre in world rugby. We’re going to have our hands full there.

“There’s a lot of ex-internationals over there, so it’s definitely exciting.

“It’s not a walk in the park. You have to train hard and all of that. I’ve started to prepare well, to make sure I’m in the best shape possible.”

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