Sean McMahon keeps 2019 World Cup door open

Crash-tackling Wallabies back-rower Sean McMahon says he hasn’t closed the door on the 2019 Rugby World Cup despite shifting his career to Japan next year.

The 23-year-old was among the stand-outs in Australia’s 63-30 thrashing of Japan at Yokohama’s International Stadium, giving him a taste of what the future holds after signing to play in the Asian country next year.

“It has a great culture, I love the food, I love the people and playing in front of this crowd, and seeing how enthusiastic about rugby they are, which will continue to build into the World Cup,” McMahon said.

“It’s definitely exciting to have the chance to be coming over here and experiencing that.”

But McMahon, who is set to become a dad early next year, said he hadn’t ruled out a return to the Wallabies fold in time for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

It was initially believed his decision to leave the Melbourne Rebels for Japan ended his chances of playing in the tournament but McMahon said nothing was set in stone.

“It pops into my mind (that I won’t be part of it) but I’ve made the decision that I’ve made and I’m mainly focusing on 2018 and nothing beyond that,” he said.

“I haven’t shut the door on anything and if the opportunity is there and the club that I’ve signed with and the ARU talk, then we’ll see what happens.”

Regardless of what happens in the future, McMahon said he would be relishing his final three Tests with the Wallabies against Wales, Scotland and England.

“I’m super keen to make the most of it and if I keep getting the opportunity to play in the gold, I’ll be taking it with both hands.”