Luke Burgess in action for the Wallabies. Source: Getty Images
LUKE Burgess says he'll return from France a better player after today signing with the ARU and Melbourne Rebels through to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
As previously reported, Burgess will join the Rebels after finishing up a two-season stint with Toulouse and could be available for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions in June.
The 29-year-old halfback will return at the completion of Toulouse's season, which could be as early as mid-May or as late as the Top 14 final on June 1.
Toulouse are currently third on the ladder.
Burgess, who has 39 Test caps, won't be free to play Melbourne in this year's Super Rugby unless there is a injury to one of the existing Rebels halfbacks Nick Phipps or Nic Stirzaker.
But after the ARU agreed to an unusual 2.5 year contract, there is no obstacle to Burgess being added to the Wallabies squad for the Lions series.
"I'm looking forward to getting home, seeing a few familiar faces and resuming my career in Australia,'' Burgess said.
"Obviously representing my country again is a goal, but I'm also looking forward to linking up with the Rebels and playing my part in the ongoing development of the game in Melbourne.''
Burgess said French rugby had helped him grow as a player.
"The rugby has been different, especially in terms of the physicality on a weekly basis the games can be a real grind, but it's been a great learning curve that I've had,'' he said.
"I'd like to think that I will be returning to Australia a better player.''
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