The Australian flanker George Smith has turned down lucrative offers from European clubs and will instead stay with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU), committing himself for another two years. He said he was looking beyond the financial aspects of the deal to other factors such as lifestyle and family, and also to concentrate on preparations for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

"It's a combination of all those things," the 29-year-old said. "I was never looking at this as being a straight financial decision."

After a couple of years when there seemed to be a constant exodus of talent from the south to the relative riches of the north, several Wallabies have recently decided to stay at home and there was a triumphalist tone emanating from the ARU, who said Smith was "spurning European suitors".

"We have re-signed a number of leading players in the past couple of weeks, despite cynics suggesting we were moving too slowly or offering them less than their worth," John O'Neill, the ARU general manager, said.

"We still have a number of players we want to lock down for the next rugby World Cup. However, there is no doubt the Wallabies are taking shape for the future."