Former NRL star set join Matt Giteau in third switch to rugby union

Former Melbourne and Cronulla centre Will Chambers will make the switch to rugby union for the third time in his career after agreeing to a move to the USA.

Chambers will link up with Major League Rugby’s LA Giltinis, who have former Wallaby Matt Giteau on their books and boast Adam Ashley-Cooper and Stephen Hoiles on their coaching staff.

The move comes after the former Australian international made a fleeting but rather memorable nine-game return to the NRL with Cronulla earlier this year.

Dan Biggar – Why the Autumn Nations Series is the most brutal in rugby | All Access with Jim Hamilton

Dan Biggar – Why the Autumn Nations Series is the most brutal in rugby | All Access with Jim Hamilton

Famed for his ability to give as good as he got, Chambers courted controversy for his on-field sledging of Manly’s Dylan Walker and Warriors prop Kane Evans in back-to-back games.

His verbal outbursts prompted Sharks coach Josh Hannay to drop him and Chambers was not sighted in Cronulla colours after their round 21 loss to the Warriors.

He went unsigned by the Sharks following the arrival of new head coach Craig Fitzgibbon which prompted the 33-year-old to explore options in the 15-man game.

Chambers only arrived at Cronulla after the COVID-19 pandemic brought an abrupt end to a deal with Japanese rugby union’s Suntory Sungoliath.

He previously enjoyed a period with the Queensland Reds and Irish outfit Munster but it was at the Storm where he had the most success, winning two NRL Premierships and two World Club Challenges.

Chambers became a regular for the Queensland State of Origin side during his time with Melbourne and won seven caps for Australia at test level.

The 224-game centre is not the only big name heading overseas for a shot at rugby union with Parramatta’s Blake Ferguson departing for Japan to join Michael Cheika’s NEC Green Rockets.