WALLABIES superstar Chris Latham has vowed to produce some of the best rugby of his glittering career in Worcester Warriors colours next season.
The 32-year-old, one of the leading full-backs in world rugby with 73 Test caps to his name, expects to complete his rehabilitation from the grade two medial ligament injury he sustained in South Africa last week in time for Queensland Reds' final two Super 14 matches of the season in May.
A renowned quick healer, few would bet against the 2006 Australian player-of-the-year fulfilling his ambition, as he counts down the days to his arrival at Sixways in October.
"I went to see the surgeon about my knee and he told me that it's in great shape," said Latham.
"The knee reconstruction I had last year and the other injuries I've had were really just unlucky injuries.
"The important thing is that they are not degenerative conditions so I'm very happy and my body feels as good as it ever has.
"I expect to be back playing in about four weeks and, after playing in the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup for Australia this year, I will be a Worcester player.
"I absolutely believe that I can play some of the best rugby of my career for the Warriors and joining the club will be a dream come true."
Latham revealed that he keeps himself up-to-date with Warriors' fortunes by reading the Worcester News and the club's websites.
Despite the Warriors managing just four Premiership wins all season, he believes there are plenty of reasons to be positive as he looks ahead to making his debut in the 2008-09 campaign.
"Worcester have lost quite a few close games so there is a lot for the fans to be excited about next year," he said.
"In my experience of both international and Super rugby the best way for any team to improve is through experience and self-belief.
"The Warriors need a bit more experience of how to win close matches and they also need to have more self-belief, not only in themselves but also in their team-mates.
"All of that takes time but hopefully I can make a difference next year."
The Reds' captain has been his team's stand-out performer this year and is in pole position to take the player-of-the-year award at the season's end for Queensland next month.
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