D-Day for Latham

Bristol and Ulster in the hunt for Aussie full-back

Last updated: 24th October 2007

chris latham australia v wales 15/09/2007

Latham: Future options

I dearly love playing for the Reds and the Wallabies and to give that away will be a very difficult decision

. Chris Latham
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Australia full-back Chris Latham is facing a crunch decision on his future as he looks to decide if he stays or heads for Europe.

The Australian Rugby Union have revealed they will table a new deal on Thursday, and although Latham has yet to commit to any plans, he is keen to remain.

However with Bristol and Ulster already offering Latham deals, Latham could be tempted to join the exodus to Europe when his current deal expires in 2008 - although he has hinted that he would like to remain at the Queensland Reds.

"I dearly love playing for the Reds and the Wallabies and to give that away will be a very difficult decision," he told Seven Network.

"I always wanted to try and leave Queensland rugby the way it was, if not in a better state, and we are certainly not there yet."

Pressure

Latham has been one of the Wallabies most consistent performers in recent years - and the ARU is under pressure to extend Latham's contract beyond 2008.

However ARU high performance manager Pat Howard told Seven Network: "We can't match them dollar for dollar but we will do our best,"

"Obviously he is a very established Wallaby and we want to make the decision as hard as possible."

Queensland Rugby Union chairman Peter Lewis was still hopeful that Latham would remain with the rebuilding Reds after completing his 11th season in 2008.

Queensland had a disastrous 2007 Super 14 campaign, finishing with the wooden spoon for the first time after notching just two wins.

Number one

The Reds weren't helped by a knee injury to Latham which ruled him out of the 2007 Super 14 season.

"Chris is our number one player. He missed the entire Reds season and I am sure he is champing at the bit to get back out there and do something for the Reds," Lewis told AAP.

"We would be delighted if he stayed.

"He is the heart and soul of Queensland rugby.

"But he's very much his own man. He will decide his own future but we certainly hope Queensland is in the mix."