burke rejects recall

[jazza93]

Former Wallaby fullback Matthew Burke has rejected an approach which could have brought him back from England to play for Australia ahead of this year's Rugby World Cup.

Burke's management released a statement today saying the 81-Test veteran greatly appreciated an approach from Wallabies coach John Connolly to consider making himself available.

"I thought this issue through in considerable detail," said 34-year-old Burke, who played his last Test for the Wallabies in 2004.

"Since John made the initial approach, my management has had several discussions with him and the Australian Rugby Union to go through the numerous issues that needed to be addressed.

"The proposal put to me was for me to return and be part of the Wallabies' domestic Tests starting in May.


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"The honour and appeal of wearing a Wallaby jersey once again was strong but I had to weigh this up with my family responsibilities and my commitments to my club, which has given me enormous support in the past three years."

Burke has consistently impressed with his form while playing for English club Newcastle since departing Australia in 2004 and he is the team captain.

Burke was sounded out with first-choice Wallaby fullback Chris Latham sidelined until at least midway through the Tri-Nations series which leads up to the World Cup following knee reconstruction surgery before the Super 14 competition started.

The forner long-serving NSW Waratahs custodian also took a shot at NSW coach Ewen McKenzie, who had suggested the ARU was "recruiting a superannuation crew playing in Europe".

In the statement, Burke said the coach's comment had revealed "McKenzie's total ignorance of British club rugby".

"I didn't come here for superannuation. 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," he said.

"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".

[prop53]

What a shame he as been playing outstanding Rugby would have done us proud

[Shaun]

Sheps will be the goods, have faith.

[luke_the_pom]

stay where u r Burkey!

[jazza93]

its fine i think that mitchell or sheps or that brumbies guy will be great at fullback.

will latham be back for the world cup?

[travelling_gerry]

I reckon he will...

He will make for a good second string fullback to Sheps

[RuckNMaul]

it was a waste of time asking him i reckon
he only just got a british passport and stated at that time how much him and his family are enjoying living there. i think the ARU is unneccisarily cluching at straws as i think the real direction for the wallabies is forwars not draging back ex legends of wallbies past. i think the skill level of sheps should carry enough weight for him to be able to play where he wants.

[Happy]

well put Krusher!!!!!

[JediKnight]

There's 2 perfectly good fullbacks playing in Perth....no need to bring back Dad's Army!!!

[The InnFORCEr]

stay where u r Burkey!

go join him LTP

[luke_the_pom]

go join him LTP

as said numerous times before, but then again you are confused easily.....

i will be joining him right after i got my university degree

[no.8]

That Burkey he's a pommie B@$*!?d and should stay Geordie land!!!