Rugby Union - by Craig Hill

Lote Tuqiri has ended months of months of speculation by signing a five-year deal with the NSW Waratahs and the ARU.

After being given a deadline of 5pm on Monday, the Wallaby winger displayed his commitment to the 15-man game by finally putting pen to paper and signing the deal to stay with union until after the next World Cup in 2011.

Chief Executive Officer of NSW Rugby Fraser Neill was ecstatic that Tuqiri had decided to stick with the code, and that the 27-year-old can now concentrate on the remainder of the Super 14 season with the Waratahs

ARU Chief Executive Officer Gary Flowers was just as happy that the matter had been closed, and now everyone can concentrate on the World Cup in France starting in September.

"I am pleased Lote has reached his decision," Flowers said.

"It has been almost five months of uncertainty and speculation and for the sake of both Lote and Australian Rugby, it is a good thing a deal has finally been reached."

In the past six months, Tuqiri had been courted by many NRL clubs who have been attempting to draw the former Brisbane Broncos player back to the 13-man game.

After interest from the Sharks, the Gold Coast Titans and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Tuqiri knocked back a one year offer from the Rabbitohs earlier today, suggested to be around the $1 million mark.