Worcester-bound Latham Scoffs at Aussie Offer

Worcester yesterday confirmed the signing of the Australia full-back Chris Latham, who will arrive at Sixways next summer. The 32-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the option of a third year in a deal worth a potential £900,000, although he denied yesterday that the move had been motivated by money.

"It is just a fact of life that it is time to move on," said Latham, who has scored 40 tries in 78 Tests. "I want to refocus, set new goals and play some of my most consistent rugby yet. It definitely has never been about the money."

However, he had been disappointed by the Australian Rugby Union's offer of a two-year incentive-based contract. "I didn't think I needed any incentives to play rugby. Perhaps they didn't think I'd be able to carry on for many more years. Had I been offered the same money I am now on I would have stayed, but I am happy with the line they took because it has given me an opportunity elsewhere."

The Scotland coach, Frank Hadden, has signed a new deal which will keep him in the post for at least another year. Like its English counterpart the Scottish Rugby Union operates a 12-month rolling contract for its head coach. "It is a real privilege to continue in the role," said Hadden.

Scotland reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup, a feat which proved beyond the far more fancied Ireland. The Irish Rugby Football Union yesterday announced the conclusions of its review of the campaign, admitting that the failure had been collective.

The head coach, Eddie O'Sullivan, who signed a new four-year contract just before the start of the tournament, will remain in position but the review recommends the appointment of a team manager and a designated backs coach.