Tom Guest Column  RSS feed | About

WALLABY full-back Chris Latham will be a man on a mission when he joins the Warriors in October.

The ambitious 73-Test Australian veteran has set his sights on winning a host of silverware during his Sixways stay.

Latham - the first full-back to win Australian rugby's most prestigious honour, the John Eales medal - thought long and hard before giving up the chance to play in a fourth world cup for the Wallabies in 2011.

However, he admitted the lure of playing out the remaining years of his career at Sixways was impossible to ignore.

"Playing for Worcester in the northern hemisphere is a new challenge and it's going to be a good test for me to experience a different style of rugby to what I've been used to in the southern hemisphere," he said.

"They have only won one league game this season, but previous results won't be a factor when I arrive.

"The indications are that Worcester is a family-orientated club so it's fantastic for my family and I've definitely got no regrets about the decision I've made.

"My definition of success will be to win the Premiership and the European Cup because winning is what counts."

Latham, who has also made 90 appearances for Queensland Reds and is expected to pass the century barrier in the current Super14 season, believes the Warriors can challenge the Premiership pacesetters next season by backing their ability in backs-to-the-wall situations.

"I know it's an easy thing to say but self-belief is the key for the Warriors to improve next season," he added.

"But the good thing is that the club has got stability behind the scenes, there is a strong playing group and everyone is working very hard for the team to be successful.

"If the club is patient they can win trophies in the future and I want to be a part of that success."

The 32-year-old has a reputation for being one of the most disciplined and toughest players in Australia.

That impression was confirmed by former Wallabies head coach John Connolly who revealed that Latham's attitude to training has, at times, bordered on the obsessional, but the man himself has no plans to let up when he arrives at Sixways.

"I believe in doing whatever it takes to prepare for matches," said Latham.

"Every player has his own mindset but if my methods rub off on some of the Warriors players, then so be it.

"I don't have any expectations of myself at Worcester because it's a new environment and I have to get to know my team-mates as much as they have to get to know me."

2:52pm Thursday 21st February 2008

Print   Email this   Comment