Mortlock may go overseas

Stirling Mortlock’s late-career fade may not only cost him his place in the Brumbies side on Friday but also a marquee position at the Melbourne Rebels.

Mortlock is keen to take up a multi-year offer to pioneer the Rebels entry into the Super 15 from next season.

The former Wallabies skipper would be a catch for the expansion club but they cannot compete with the money on offer abroad without significant top-up money from the Australian Rugby Union.

Rebels officials say Mortlock’s value as a drawcard is invaluable to the start-up franchise which only has English international Danny Cipriani.

But the ARU is not prepared to grant the 33-year-old, who missed the last half of 2009 through leg injuries, anything more than a one-year deal.

Mortlock’s manager Nick Johnston met ARU officials yesterday to seek clarity over his offer but it appears the national body is unwilling to budge in a time of growing financial constraints.

“I’m genuinely thinking about going overseas or staying,” Mortlock said.

“I’m not really sure what I want to do but at this stage Melbourne is a fantastic opportunity and one I didn’t think I’d get.”