Rugby: ARU bids to keep Latham

SYDNEY - The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has offered fullback Chris Latham a two-year contract to keep him playing in his home country until 2010.

The 32-year-old Queensland Reds player, who has played 78 tests for the Wallabies, has also received lucrative offers to play in Europe.

"We believe the offer we have put to Chris is a competitive one and we are hopeful it will be accepted," ARU high performance unit manager Pat Howard said.

"We understand Chris has been fielding some very lucrative offers from rugby clubs in the UK, but we are very keen to see him continue his representative career in Australia and hope this new two-year deal convinces him to stay."

Latham recovered from a serious knee injury this year to make Australia's World Cup squad and he was in the team who lost to England in the quarterfinals this month.

- REUTERS