Latham's Wallaby career over
Mon, 12 May 2008 08:58
Hanging on for a UK payday: Wallaby fullback Chris Latham
England-bound Wallaby and Reds fullback Chris Latham's career in Australia is over, following a shoulder injury that will keep him sidelined for three to four months.
The Reds veteran tore the pectoral muscle from the bone in his right shoulder and faces surgery to reattach it, followed by a lengthy rehabilitation period.
Latham conceded on Monday that his Wallaby career was effectively over, as he would not be fit in time to stake a legitimate claim for selection in the one Test that he might be fit for, before the domestic season ends and he leaves to join Guinness Premiership side Worcester on a three year contract.
"To be honest, I'd like to [be considered for selection], but I don't see why they'd bother," Latham said.
"I could probably make it back for one test [but] there's no use for that. They [Wallaby selectors] need to move on and obviously there'll be people playing in between now and
then and I really hope they get good form and they stay there and start performing. If that's the case there's not much use wheeling me out again."
Latham said he was initially "quite filthy at the world" over his injury, but had since had cause to reflect on how lucky he'd been.
"I can't be filthy at anything. I've played over 100 games for Queensland [and the Reds], 70-odd Tests for Australia. It's a pretty privileged life.
"I don't at all feel ripped off. A little bit disappointed that it had to end this way. I would have cherished running out on Saturday night but it's not meant to be, so, move on."
Latham has played 78 Tests for Australia between 1998 and last year's Rugby World Cup. He played 119 matches for Queensland/Reds since 1998, including 99 Super Rugby games for the Reds.
Latham also played 10 Super Rugby games for the Waratahs in 1997 before moving to Brisbane. He has scored 200 Test points and 291 career points for Queensland.
