But the big back-rower immediately ruled himself out of the running to succeed George Gregan as skipper after next year's Rugby World Cup.

Kefu, the leader of Australia's forward pack, will be joint vice-captain with Matt Burke.

But the Queensland star discounted suggestions that his appointment might be a stepping-stone to the full captaincy should Gregan step down in 2003.

"A lot of people have mentioned that to me," he said.

"I've never really thought about it, it doesn't really bother me.

"I think there are a lot of people more qualified than I am and probably the role suits them more.

"I pretty much take a back seat to everything and just watch everything," the 49-cap forward said.

"I'm not the kind of person who rants and raves and tells people to do things."

Kefu added that he is, in fact, likely to step down from the international scene himself at the end of next year.

"At this stage, after the World Cup I'll probably be moving on," he said.

"If I do stay, it won't be for the captaincy."

Kefu last year turned down a reported �700,000 to quit Australian rugby and play in Japan for three years.

Now he is likely to finish his playing career there.