Rathbone ready for action

2008-06-16 11:31

Sydney - Clyde Rathbone's decision to play for Easts in the rest of the Shute Shield has been driven by a burning ambition to make the Wallabies' end of season rugby tour of Europe.

In what will be his first game in 15 months, the Brumbies back hopes to get "20 to 30 minutes" of match time when he makes his debut for Easts against Gordon at Chatswood Oval on Saturday.

The South African born winger who has 26 Test caps and 45 games in Super 12/14, has been out since last year's game between the Brumbies and Lions when he suffered a torn patella tendon.

Rathbone, 26, put off knee surgery, hoping it could heal enough to make the 2007 World Cup squad. But those hopes were in vain he went under the knife in November.

"The idea now is to play as many games as possible, get my hands on the ball and just enjoy playing rugby again. I haven't played for so long," Rathbone said on Sunday.

"Obviously the goal is to go on the end of season tour. Hopefully, the selectors take notice of what goes on in club rugby now with the ARC [Australian Rugby Championship] not going ahead. And I think those opportunities are there at Easts."

Rathbone, whose two-year Brumbies deal ends next season, said he has not spoken with Wallabies coach Robbie Deans about his comeback.

"You fall off the radar a bit when you don't play. I am not expecting to have that call from Robbie," Rathbone said.

"But there is enough rugby to play between now and selection for the end of year tour." Rathbone agreed to join Easts on Saturday after being courted by a number of clubs.

- SAPA