Butler hungry to play for Wallabies

Editor

Brumbies back-row Jarrad Butler is just as ambitious as ever to play for Australia ahead of the new Super Rugby season.

Butler stood out last season when used by the Canberra-based franchise and was recently involved with the Barbarians when the side were in the UK, coached by Michael Cheika.

Cheika, the Wallabies head coach, as a result got to know the hungry 24-year-old a little better.

"We [Cheika and Butler] got to speak informally over breakfast [in London], but I wasn't getting in his grill or anything like that," Butler told The Canberra Times.

"It was good getting to know him better and hopefully vice versa. That was the good thing about the whole trip… [the Wallabies] are still definitely where I want to go.

"Next year is going to be important as well and at the moment is just the pre-season and getting better."

Butler prior to his time with the Barbarians had captained Canberra Vikings in the National Rugby Championship back in Australia, scoring nine tries in the competition.

"I'm feeling more and more confident out on the field and that's a big part of it," Butler added.

"I'm happy in that regard, but there are definitely lots of things for me to improve on. When you're not injured you just want to be out on the field as much as you can because you never know what could happen… make it last as long as you can."