DAN VICKERMAN is preparing for what is likely to be his last Tri Nations series after deciding to head to England later this year, have a break from professional football and devote himself to university studies.

As revealed in the Herald last week, Australia's premier second-rower, who returns from injury to join the 30-man Wallabies Tri Nations squad, is seriously considering moving to the UK, not to pursue a football career but to study economics.

His "lifestyle change" is centred on completing his economics degree at Cambridge University. Vickerman, 29, is expected to have at least a two-year break from professional football before deciding whether to return and be part of Australia's 2011 World Cup campaign.

"It's not set in stone, but obviously study is something I am extremely keen on," Vickerman said after arriving at the Wallabies' training camp in Manly yesterday. "I am leaning towards doing economics at Cambridge University, which will test me in a different way to what rugby has. I've still got a fair bit of paperwork to get through to confirm the university, but it's certainly a very real consideration."

While Vickerman is eager to play rugby at a less serious level with Cambridge University, he said his prime aim heading to the UK was "to study full-time".

However, he has not ruled out another World Cup appearance, saying: "If presented with the opportunity to get selected for the World Cup, it is definitely something I would consider.

"But when you go overseas, and whether you are playing professional sport or not, you take that risk, because there's a lot of good guys coming through. And who knows - in two years' time, you may not be required.

"Still, in 2010, when I've done a couple of years of full-time study, I'll reconsider. After all, I've been very privileged and lucky to have worn the Australian jumper, and it is something I will always treasure.'

Vickerman, sidelined by an ankle injury since the Super 14 final, will make his playing return for Sydney University in club football against Northern Suburbs at University Oval on Saturday.

Vickerman, along with Ben Alexander, Matt Dunning, Adam Freier, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Dean Mumm, Brett Sheehan, Lachie Turner and George Smith, have been permitted to appear for their Sydney clubs this weekend.

"It's a week before I expected to be playing, so it's all looking pretty good," Vickerman said. "The doctor has said it is looking good. I'll take his word for it, and now get amongst it.

"The standard of club rugby is really improving, and with the new laws, the speed of the game is up there with any other. So if you can get through a club game, you can get through a Test match."

Vickerman has not lost hope of being available for the Wallabies' first Tri Nations match, against South Africa in Perth on July 19, and nor has his Waratahs hooking teammate Polota-Nau, who could well make at least the Test reserves bench if he can prove his fitness this weekend.

Polota-Nau, who will appear for Parramatta in his return from a broken hand, is unsure even if he will be part of the club's first-grade team. He is assuming he might have to play in the reserves.

The most surprised member of the Wallabies squad when it assembled yesterday was utility back Drew Mitchell, who thought his chances of regaining a Test spot had been thwarted by being injured late in the Super 14. However, several spirited performances for Australia A have seen him again become a Wallabies wing and fullback candidate.

"Getting in the squad did come as a surprise, especially [considering] how well the guys who have been given their opportunities have played over the past three Tests," he said.

"I haven't spoken to anyone in terms of what they are thinking about selection. There's been a bit of talk about the fullback spot not being settled, but I thought Adam [Ashley-Cooper] went really well against the French on the weekend."

But first Mitchell had to seek out new coach Robbie Deans.

"I'll introduce myself to him at the first team meeting, and say, 'G'day'," he said.