Australia’s Toomua out of World Cup

London: Australia’s Matt Toomua has effectively ruled himself out of the 2019 World Cup in Japan after signing a contract extension with English club Leicester.

The 27-year-old playmaker joined the Premiership giants on a three-year deal in 2016, a move which allowed for the possibility he could return to Australian club rugby in 2019.

But Monday’s announcement means the 31-times capped Toomua will remain unavailable for international duty as Australia — who play England at Twickenham on Saturday — do not select overseas-based players for Tests unless they have already won at least 60 caps.

Toomua suffered a knee injury against Racing 92 just two games into his Tigers career but has worked his way back to full fitness to form a midfield partnership with England fly-half George Ford.

“I’m very excited about committing to the club for a few more years,” Toomua said in a club statement.