Lote Tuqiri says it would be a crying shame if Chris Latham's departure to England next year triggered an exodus of Wallabies to cashed-up overseas clubs.

Turning 33 next year, Latham has accepted a lucrative two-season deal with Worcester after being disappointed at the Australian Rugby Union's incentive-based offer.

The match-winning fullback claimed his best rugby were ahead of him and he wasn't prepared to sign on for less base money than his current contract.

A stack of South African and New Zealand internationals, including high-profile All Blacks Dougie Howlett, Rico Gear, Luke McAlister, Carl Hayman and Chris Jack have opted for money over country and moved abroad and Tuqiri is hoping Australians don't follow suit.

"Who knows, it (Latham's move) might start a trend," Tuqiri said.

"There's a few guys coming off contract this year and I don't know how their negotiations are going with the respective franchises and the ARU and everyone else, but it will be interesting.

"If people want to play hardball, I guess there is that option to go overseas.

"I know that there are a few world-class players (including Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock next season) that are coming off contract and it will be interesting to see what happens.

"It will be a big shame because you don't want to see those guys go prematurely."

Tuqiri said new Wallabies coach Robbie Deans would face a difficult time replacing Latham after he presumably plays his last Test next September against the All Blacks in Brisbane.

"Latho's been a bloody great servant for Australian rugby," he said.

"He always shows heart and passion and drive when it comes to pulling on that green and gold.

"If you were ever a bit down on the field, he was always at the back pumping you up. And if he's not doing that, he's pumping himself up so he'll be missed in that sense."

Tuqiri didn't doubt Latham could get better after watching the 2006 John Eales Medallist excel at the recent World Cup in France despite missing the entire domestic campaign after undergoing a knee reconstruction.

"He just got better with age and it's quite disappointing to see him leave ...

"We'll see how we go from here (with fullbacks)," he said.

"There are certainly some young guys coming through the ranks. I guess we'll pick up the slack somewhere.

"But he's a massive loss and still a world-class player and he showed that in the World Cup, that he's by far and away one of the best No.15s in the world."

Tuqiri expressed his own interest in playing fullback, saying he had already discussed the possibility with the NSW Waratahs' new backs coach Todd Louden.

'I actually wouldn't mind," said the superstar winger.

"Playing in the back three ... it's pretty much the same; you're sort of going across field and working as a pendulum and things like that.

"I guess if you can pop up on the other side of the field, it's not that much different to playing on the wing.

"But I'd obviously have to pick up my kicking skills, but I wouldn't say no.

"I wouldn't mind having a crack at it, but we'll have to see if I get a go there in the (Super 14) trials."

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