Queensland Reds coach Nick Stiles has denied that the Super Rugby club turned down the chance to sign Test halfback Will Genia for next season.
News Corp reported that the Reds said "thanks, but no thanks" to Genia, who wants to come back to Australia and is being encouraged to do so by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.
The 29-year-old Genia is tied to French Top 14 club Stade Francais until the end of 2018 but it's understood he hasn't directly approached the Reds to ask for a contract.
Stiles flatly denied the Reds had knocked him back when interviewed on radio on Wednesday but was unavailable later to elaborate. A QRU spokesperson said: "The QRU never discusses matters relating to player contracting."
The Reds are already close to maxing out their salary cap and already have three halfbacks on the books in Nick Frisby, James Tuttle and Moses Sorovi, all seen as promising long-term prospects.
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Any deal to bring Genia home would be dependant on a sizeable Australian Rugby Union top-up.
But since he already qualifies to return from overseas and play for the Wallabies under the Giteau Law, having played 75 Tests, there would be less incentive for the governing body to meet his demands.
Genia left the Reds in 2015 and initially signed a pre-contract with English Premiership side Bath but instead moved to Stade Francais on a three-year deal.
He is believed to be one of the highest-paid players at the club.
Stade Francais nearly merged with Paris rivals Racing Club earlier this year amid financial problems but German billionaire Hans-Peter Wild has reportedly agreed to buy president Thomas Savare's remaining shares, with an official announcement set to be made this week.
The change in ownership could open the door for Genia's exit but since he is still at the peak of his powers, there is every chance Stade Francais may wish to keep him.
Cheika described Genia as a near certainty to be picked for June's Tests against Fiji, Scotland and Italy.
"I think he's very eager," Cheika told Fox Sports' Kick and Chase program on Tuesday night.
"I asked him about maybe wanting to have a break and he's more knocking the door down to come back."
