Reports: Tevita Kuridrani set to turn down overseas offers to stay with Wallabies

Tevita Kuridrani is set to extend his stay in Australia after the World Cup and turn down offshore deals, according to recent reports.

According to The Canberra Times, the 58-test Fijian-born midfielder is close to signing a new contract with the Brumbies as they eye a place in this year’s Super Rugby play-offs.

Kuridrani scored a hat-trick for his club in their 22-10 victory over the Bulls at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Friday, securing a bonus point for the two-time Super Rugby champions to strengthen their lead at the summit of the Australian conference.

The top-class performance was a timely one for the 28-year-old as he continues to his bid to push for a spot in the Wallabies’ World Cup squad after failing to feature for the national side last year.

Despite being backed by Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar to make the cut, Kuridrani hasn’t played test rugby since November 2017, but an extended six-week pre-season allowed him to shed six kilograms while adding both pace and power to his 1.92m, 102kg frame.

“In the past it’s been me crashing it up, but now we’re mixing it up to keep teams guessing,” Kuridrani said.

“I feel like I’m finding some form, which is good. That’s off the back of the pre-season I had. I’m playing some good footy and that’s keeping my confidence up, hopefully I continue to play like this.”

Kuridrani wasn’t the only player praised by McKellar in the wake of their win over the Bulls, with loose forward Pete Samu and first-five Christian Lealiifano also tipped to make Michael Cheika’s Wallabies squad by the Brumbies coach.

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