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BRISBANE - Matthew Burke remains a shock World Cup option for the Wallabies despite the veteran fullback rejecting moves to return for Australia's domestic test rugby season.
England-based Burke today advised the Australian Rugby Union he won't make himself available for the Wallabies' seven-test winter programme, including the Tri-Nations.
It comes after test coach John Connolly approached the 34-year-old about ending his three-year international absence following incumbent fullback Chris Latham's knee reconstruction.
In a statement released by his manager John Fordham, Burke said he greatly appreciated Connolly's invitation and admitted the lure of wearing the Wallabies jersey again was strong.
But he indicated family responsibilities and his club commitments with the Newcastle Falcons had prevented an early homecoming.
However, while he won't feature in Australia's domestic tests, the door remains open for the 81-test player to play in his fourth World Cup in France in September and October.
"You never know where things head in the future," Connolly hinted today.
"I think he's a world class player, he's a very good player.
"You don't know how things are going to unfold but you never know."
Fordham confirmed his client's unavailability related to the domestic season and Burke would judge a possible World Cup approach on its merits.
Connolly's contingency plans to dust off Burke had been criticised by Latham and New South Wales coach Ewen McKenzie who both felt it was a slap in the face to local talent.
Denying his opposition was due to "selfish motives", Latham believed more faith needed to be shown in Super 14 fullbacks such as Cameron Shepherd, Drew Mitchell, Julian Huxley and Mark Gerrard.
Connolly said there was "definitely" no plans for other overseas-based players to be conscripted into the test side this year.
His move to enlist Burke represents a major change in policy as the ARU has stood firm in only considering Australian-based talent for test selection since the game went professional in 1996.
The possibility of the Newcastle captain now playing in France is dependent on how the likes of Shepherd or Mitchell fill Latham's void as well as how quickly the Queensland stalwart recuperates.
The former NSW captain took aim at McKenzie, his last Waratahs coach, for labelling Burke and fellow European-based Australian players the "superannuation crew".
Burke said the comment revealed "McKenzie's total ignorance of British club rugby".
"I didn't come here for superannuation," he said.
"Far from it, I came here to play top level club rugby after being told by McKenzie that I wasn't wanted at the Waratahs.
"Everything has turned out well for me in the past three years. I'm enjoying my rugby enormously and being made captain this year has given me an additional challenge".
- AAP
