Burke played 81 Tests for Australia

The 33-year-old Newcastle back, who has not played for Australia since 2004, was approached to see if he would make himself available for the tournament.

"I thought this issue through in considerable detail," he said.

"The honour of wearing a Wallaby jersey was strong but I had to weigh this up with my family responsibilities and my commitments to my club."

Australia made the offer to Burke following the season-ending injury to first-choice full-back Chris Latham.

Latham is sidelined for six months following knee reconstruction surgery after an accident in pre-season training.

I think he's a world-class player Australia coach John Connolly on Matt Burke

Another full-back alternative, Mat Rogers, has returned to rugby league.

The offer would have seen Burke return for Australia in May.

And although it was rejected, coach John Connolly still holds out hope that Burke could return.

"You never know where things head in the future," he said.

"I think he's a world-class player. You don't know how things are going to unfold."

Australia's front-row options could also be affected with prop Greg Holmes a doubt for the World Cup after sustaining a shoulder injury playing for Queensland this weekend.

Holmes requires surgery to correct the problem and will definitely miss the rest of the Super 14 season.

He now faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup in France this September.

Australia already have injury worries over open-side flanker Phil Waugh, who has undergone ankle surgery, while Stephen Larkham, Stirling Mortlock and Clyde Rathbone are recovering from less serious injuries.

The Wallabies are in Pool B at the World Cup, along with Wales, Fiji, Canada and Japan.