Burke retires from international rugby

Australian rugby great Matt Burke yesterday finally called time on his illustrious international career.

Burke, who scored 25 points in the 1999 World Cup final, flew into Tyneside and was unveiled by Newcastle Falcons manager Rob Andrew at Kingston Park at the start of a two-year deal to play alongside another World Cup winner in Jonny Wilkinson.

Burke’s 81st and, in his eyes, last cap for the Wallabies came as a replacement against South Africa in the Tri-Nations decider in Durban last week.