John Connolly says Matt Giteau should be allowed to play for Australia at next year's World Cup.

Giteau was on Monday named French Top 14 Player of the Year for the 2013-2014 season, edging out former teammate Jonny Wilkinson for the most coveted individual prize in French rugby.

Connolly, who coached the Wallabies at the 2007 World Cup, believes Giteau should be the 'exception to the rule' which prevents overseas-based players from representing the Test team.

'If there's a case for an exception to the rule of having overseas players, Matt Giteau is that case,' Connolly told the Canberra Times. 'I can understand the rule of eligibility because of how it affects domestic crowds and I fully support it because we can't afford to have the promotion of the game affected with all of our best players overseas … but Giteau is an exception, without a doubt.

'He's an outstanding player and he's the ideal captain. I'm a Stephen Moore fan as well, but maybe if the Wallabies went to him with the captaincy, maybe that could work.'

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