Gregan still eyeing World Cup

Australia captain George Gregan says he is still hungry to extend his international career through to next year's World Cup.

The 33-year-old scrumhalf, who recently became test rugby's most capped player, has been criticised for some recent performances, with sections of the media calling for him to be dropped.

"My career isn't finished," Gregan told reporters at a dinner attended by Australian Prime Minister John Howard to mark his achievement of breaking England prop Jason Leonard's record of 119 international appearances.

"I know it's spoken about a lot, I know the Prime Minister's future is spoken about a lot and he's got a much more important role than what I have," Gregan added.

"But I'm still loving being coached and I'm still being challenged and I do want to be there come next year," Gregan said.

Howard paid tribute to Gregan.

"George through his long career has demonstrated enormous tenacity, he's very feisty but he's always in control," Howard said.

"He's a wonderful role model, it's an Australian combination, he's not backward in coming forward, but at the end of the day he's always in control of the situation."

Gregan has captained the Wallabies 57 times, breaking the record of 55 set by John Eales who also thanked Gregan for his contribution to Australian rugby.

"We could not have achieved as a team without your loyalty and commitment to the team," Eales said.