WORCESTER Warriors have confirmed the capture of Chris Latham - arguably the best full-back in world rugby.

The Australian legend, who has scored 40 tries in 78 appearances for the Wallabies, is contracted to the Queensland Reds for the 2008 Super 14 season and will link up with Worcester in time for the next Guinness Premiership campaign.

The 32-year-old has agreed a two-year deal, with the exclusive option of a third year, that will keep him at Sixways until the end of the 2010-2011 season.

Also, Latham has an English wife which means he will not count as an overseas player and will be able to line up alongside All Black ace Rico Gear - Warriors' only player classed as overseas.

Worcester director of rugby Mike Ruddock is delighted with his latest capture, who is the second highest try scorer in Wallaby history and played in every match for his country at this year's world cup.

The Sixways chief said: "We're absolutely delighted that Chris, the world's best full-back, has decided to join us at Worcester Warriors.

"He has gained experience with New South Wales and Queensland Reds and has a fantastic rugby pedigree.

"Chris's form in the 2007 World Cup was incredibly impressive and convinced me that he still has the ability, drive and ambition to continue to play top-class rugby for the next three years.

"We are obviously pleased that a player of his stature and talent has decided to play rugby here at Sixways.

"There is no doubt that the vision of the chairman, Cecil Duckworth, and our recent recruitment success helped to persuade Chris we are the club he wants to play for. We all look forward to welcoming him soon."

It has been reported that Latham, who missed all of the 2007 Super 14 competition after undergoing knee reconstruction surgery, will earn in the region of £850,000 during his stint with Worcester.

Latham insists his best years are ahead of him and is eagerly anticipating the challenge of playing for Worcester in the Guinness Premiership.

He said: "My family and I are really looking forward to moving to Worcester. I am very excited about playing in the Guinness Premiership for the Warriors.

"I have enjoyed a wonderful decade of rugby with the Queensland Reds and the Wallabies but, at this stage of my life and career, I feel the time is right for both my family and I to experience new things and to give myself fresh and challenging goals.

"I know I am yet to play my best rugby."

Latham started his career with the New South Wales Waratahs before moving to Queensland in 1998. He has been awarded the Australia Super 12 player-of-the-year award on four occasions in 2000, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

He made his international debut for Australia against France in 1998 and represented the Wallabies in the last three world cup tournaments.

Latham was also awarded the 2006 John Eales Medal - the first back to win the award - and in the same year he was nominated by the International Rugby Board for player-of-the-year.