Australia lock Nathan Sharpe has signed a three-year extension deal with the Wallabies in the hope of finishing his career with a World Cup victory.

The 30-year-old Sharpe played at the last two World Cups without success, reaching the final in 2003 then the quarter-finals in 2007, but hopes to have one final crack at it in 2011.

"I really want to be there again in 2011. It's something I would love to be a part of," he said.

"If I do get the opportunity, it would be a great way to finish up. I think I'd quite literally hang the boots in the locker room at the end of it all.

"I look on the next World Cup as my last throw of the dice, and this contract as the last one of my career."

Sharpe has already played 63 Tests for the Wallabies and captained the side on two occasions. He was named Australia's best player for 2007 and the Australian Rugby Union targeted him as a priority signing following the retirement of so many senior players.

"We earmarked Sharpie as a key player whose contract was up at the end of the season and, for the good of the team, had to be retained," ARU high performance general manager Pat Howard said.

"I'm delighted negotiations came to such a quick resolution and we can move forward knowing we have locked in a player who is a world-class forward until after the next World Cup in New Zealand."

Reuters