London--Australia's Matt Giteau said he would love to return to Twickenham with the Wallabies at this year's World Cup after guiding Toulon to an unprecedented third straight European title at the home of English rugby.
Giteau was at fly-half in an all-star international backline featuring Wales's Leigh Halfpenny and South Africa's Bryan Habana as Toulon beat French rivals Clermont 24-18 at Twickenham on Saturday.
Having made his Test debut as a 20-year-old at Twickenham back in 2002, Giteau effectively called time on his 92-cap Australia career when he signed for Toulon after failing to be included in the Wallabies' squad for the 2011 World Cup.
But he was given a route back into the international arena when the Australia Rugby Union announced last month it was relaxing its hardline stance barring overseas-based players from representing the Wallabies.
"I signed over here knowing I wouldn't play Test rugby again," said Giteau after Saturday's match. "Now the rules have changed, it's a possibility. I had no idea it was coming, but I'm happy it has.
"It's very exciting for Australian rugby that they've changed that (the eligibility rules). For me in particular, it doesn't change a great deal until I'm contacted."
Saturday's match was just about the nearest thing to Test standard without being a full international.
"It's as similar as you are going to get to Test match rugby," said the 32-year-old Giteau.
"I've always been reasonably confident, without being arrogant. I enjoy playing big games.
"Given the opportunity, it would be great to play Test match rugby again. But I haven't played it in a long time."
AFP
