Australian Associated Press reports that Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill has backed George Gregan to continue his international rugby career, saying the world's most capped halfback should play on as Wallabies captain.
It is understood Gregan told O'Neill and ARU high performance boss Brett Robinson on Saturday night that he had more to give.
O'Neill told Sydney radio station 2UE that the ink wasn't dry on the paper but the 30 year old Gregan was likely to extend his career.
"George is going to play on...he's signed up, the ink's not dry on the paper, but he is playing on," O'Neill said before adding coach Eddie Jones would also stay on for at least another year.
"Eddie is staying on until at least the end of his contract (at the end of 2004) and may well go beyond that, we'll have a good chat, he's done a great job...I've never met a bloke who works harder."
Gregan told Channel Seven's Sunrise program that he would make a decision "in the next few weeks" after recovering from what he described as "the most intense game" of his career.
"In terms of my own personal future, I'll make a decision on that in the next few weeks - I'm feeling like I can play for another year or two," he said.
When asked if he would carry on until the 2007 World Cup, Gregan said: "No, I don't - I want to watch them win it."
Jones cautious
Wallabies coach Jones was more cautious about Gregan's future.
"I think he's pretty keen, but I think he should also sit down and make sure he wants to continue for the right reasons," Jones told 2UE.
"And knowing George I'm sure he will do that, and it will only be because he wants to be a better player."
On his own future, Jones said: "I'm contracted until the end of next year, I'm certainly going to do that.
On 2007 World Cup prospects, Jones said: "You look at our squad and there's probably five or six guys who will finish their career up in the next 12 months and the rest of the squad have got anywhere from three to five years of their best footy ahead of them so it's really promising."
O'Neill said there was no shortage of plans for the ARU's World Cup earnings - but ruled out more raids on rugby league players.
"That's (raiding league) not on the agenda, there's no shortage of things we want to do with the money," he said.