Latham Stays a Red

The Bank of Queensland Reds are delighted to announce that Chris Latham has agreed a new two year contract that will keep him at Ballymore until the end of the 2005 season.

The Bank of Queensland Reds are delighted to announce that Chris Latham has agreed a new two year contract that will keep him at Ballymore until the end of the 2005 season.

Latham had been linked with a move to Munster, but says the lure of 100 caps for Queensland and a very public Don t Go Latho campaign helped change his mind.

It was very overwhelming to have the famous XXXX Hill changed to Don t Go Latho Hill, he said. Everywhere I went people kept coming up and saying please don t go and please stay with the Reds.

When I looked at it again I knew I had a lot of unfinished business here. I ve three targets a Super 12 title, 100 games for the Reds and 50 caps for the Wallabies.

All I ever wanted was to do the best for my family and I realised now was not the time to take them overseas. I m sorry if I have hurt anyone in Munster. I sincerely hope they win the European Cup next year.

Queensland Rugby Union Chief Executive Jeff Miller says the Latham re-signing is a statement of the Reds intent for next season and beyond.

We are thrilled that Chris has decided to stay and try to help the Reds win our first ever Vodafone Super 12 title, he said. He is a proven match-winner and a player to build your team around. We were always eager to see him stay and we are delighted he has changed his mind.