SYDNEY (AFP) - Wallabies playmaker Matt Giteau on Wednesday signed a two-season contract extension with the Australian Rugby Union that will take him to the end of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The 25-year-old is regarded as a leading light for a Wallabies side rebuilding after last year's shock World Cup quarter-final loss to England and the departure of veterans George Gregan and Stephen Larkham.

"I'm still at a relatively young age and feel my best Rugby is still ahead of me," said Giteau, who has 51 Test caps.

"So it's really exciting to secure my future at a time when a few of the long-serving guys like George Gregan and Stephen Larkham have gone and so many new players are coming through.

"The 2011 Rugby World Cup was definitely important in this decision."

ARU high performance general manager Pat Howard said Giteau's re-signing was essential for the success of the Qantas Wallabies over the next four seasons.

"Matt is one of the world's best inside backs and we're excited to keep him within Australian Rugby until after the next World Cup," he said.

"His talents and leadership qualities have helped the Western Force become a very competitive outfit and he will also be central to the Wallabies plans for many years to come."

As part of the deal, Giteau will stay with his Western Force Super 14 side until at least 2010, although he said he had no intention of moving even then.

Giteau's announcement comes as a further boost for the ARU following the re-signings of World Cup squad members Stirling Mortlock, Nathan Sharpe, Stephen Hoiles and Wycliff Palu in recent weeks.