It was almost two years ago that Peter Hewat overheard a phone conversation that dashed his dreams of becoming a Wallaby.

And while his former NSW Waratahs team-mates have certainly lacked his attacking dash in their Super 14 campaign, Hewat will play at Twickenham on Saturday before a crowd of 80,000 as his London Irish team attempt to claim their first-ever English premiership title against Leicester.

Hewat is widely regarded as one of the best Super rugby players never to play for the Wallabies, with his record-breaking feats cutting no ice with then Wallabies coach John Connolly, who privately questioned his defensive abilities.

This was despite Hewat excelling in an exciting Waratahs backline that included Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri, Chris Whitaker and Mat Rogers.

After crossing for 10 tries in his debut season in 2005 - the most ever by a NSW player - the fullback followed up in 2006 with 191 points, second only to Dan Carter in the final season totals.

It wasn't enough to persuade Connolly he was international material and he was a glaring omission from a 59-man strong training squad named later that year.

After another strong season in 2007, despite a disappointing year for the Waratahs, Hewat's patience finally snapped when Tuqiri put a phone conversation with Australian selector Michael O'Connor on loud speaker at the team's end-of-season function.

Incensed by what he heard, Hewat demanded an immediate release from the Waratahs and walked straight into the grateful arms of London Irish, with a three-year contract in his back pocket.

Two years on, the 31-year-old admitted he is still disappointed about the manner of his departure from Australian rugby, but time is a great healer and two highly successful years in London have softened the blow and helped him move on.

"I thought I had reached the highest level I could have reached in Australian rugby so I thought it was time to move on and experience something new," Hewat told AAP this week.

Although reluctant to speak about the phone saga, Hewat admitted it was a difficult time but said he holds no grudges.

"Like every player I was desperate to play for Australia ... and to see that dream disappearing I knew it was time to go," he said.

"A lot was said at the time about what happened and I don't want to go over it again.

"People had their reasons for not picking me and there is nothing I could do about it. I have moved on now and am very happy to be here in London."

Ironically, it was only this week that current Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said one of his biggest selection headaches was finding a reliable Test No.15 - just as Hewat had helped propel London Irish into the grand final and a place in next season's European Cup.

Although he thinks Wallabies selection may be behind him, Hewat did not rule out a return to Australia when his contract expires next year.

"I always watch the Tahs play here on TV and I suppose there's always a wish you could be with the boys when they are playing or in camp ... and I will always have that," he said.

"I am not sure what will happen around the corner. You never say never to a return home, but I have a year to go here and we will just have to wait and see what happens.

"Last year we made the Heineken Cup semis, and we play for the premiership on Saturday so it has been a fantastic move - especially as we are a free-flowing expansive side which suits my game."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP