Latham signs for Worcester

AUSTRALIA full-back Chris Latham is confident his best days are still ahead of him, after signing a two-year deal to join Worcester next season.

Latham rejected what he described as a “disappointing” incentive-based contract offer from the Australian Rugby Union to join the exodus of high-profile southern-hemisphere stars to Europe.

The 32-year-old will play in the forthcoming Super 14 for the Queensland Reds and have one season under new Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, before relocating to Sixways.

Latham felt the ARU could have done more to keep him and rejected the notion he was worth only a downgraded contract because his powers will soon be on the wane.

“The ARU obviously thought I wouldn’t be able to carry through for too many more years, and that’s the line they have taken,” said Latham.

“I really didn’t think I needed incentives to play rugby. I never have. Had I been offered the same amount of money that I was on this year for the next few years, I would have definitely stayed.

“But I am not bitter; I am not angry. Money is not the reason I’m quitting here — it’s time to move on and set some fresh goals.

“I firmly believe I’m yet to play my best, most consistent rugby. It’s quite easy to label people at 32 and say they are getting old, but I think in ‘rugby’ years I am very young.”

Latham has won 78 Test caps for Australia and is second only to David Campese in the Wallabies’ list of all-time leading try-scorers with 40.