The Australian Rugby Union has secured the services of elusive flanker Rocky Elsom until the end of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The 26-year-old, who played a starring role newly crowned Heineken Cup champions Leinster in the recently completed northern-hemisphere season, agreed to a new two year deal with the Wallabies and Brumbies on Wednesday.

Elsom is now eligible to resume his Test career and declared his desire to slot straight back into Robbie Deans' squad for the first of two Tests against Italy next Saturday.

Named on Wednesday in the Barbarians side to play against Australia, Elsom says it was always his intention to add to his 40 Test appearances with the Wallabies.

"We made progress last year with the Wallabies and there are exciting challenges ahead in 2009," he said.

"Playing for Australia means a lot to me. Playing for the Wallabies is my number one priority."

A decision on when he will link with the Australian squad will be made by Deans and fellow Test selectors Jim Williams and David Nucifora.

"Any decision on Rocky's involvement with the Wallabies will be made after Saturday night because we have a game to prepare for against the Barbarians," Deans said.

"We're pleased to have him back. We're pleased he's wanted to come back."