0
Force skipper Nathan Sharpe eyes opportunities
By Jim Tucker
February 05, 2008 11:00pm
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/s...003411,00.html
WESTERN Force skipper Nathan Sharpe is the latest Wallaby stalwart weighing up the lure of a rich sea-change abroad with continuing his Test career into 2009.
The 64-Test lock admitted yesterday that he faced one of the biggest decisions of his career with two World Cups and a decade of Super rugby behind him.
The Queensland product did make one concrete call – if he stays in Australian rugby there will be no going back to the Reds.
"I loved my seasons in Queensland but I don't think it would be the right thing to do. If I stay, it'll be with the Force," said Sharpe, who will lead the side against the Reds tomorrow night in a full-strength trial in Perth.
What offer the Australian Rugby Union mounts for Sharpe under a clear policy of contract restraint will be interesting.
He will be 30 later this month and a viable 33 when the 2011 World Cup kicks off in New Zealand.
Sharpe's acumen should be prized because the Wallabies have already had Dan Vickerman stripped from 2009's plans with his recent decision to head abroad.