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Australia coach Robbie Deans said he has not given up hope that Leinster flanker Rocky Elsom will return to play for the Wallabies at the end of this season.

Elsom was granted an early release from his Australia contract last autumn in order to sign for the Irish province on the understanding he would be back in time for this year's Tri-Nations.

The 26-year-old, named man of the match in Leinster's Heineken Cup quarter-final victory over Harlequins at the weekend, is yet to recommit to Australian rugby.

"We had a conversation and it was pretty straightforward, it was good to catch up with him," said Deans, who met with Elsom last month.

"He was looking in good shape, he's obviously playing some good rugby and I just said to him 'when you make your mind up let me know - but don't leave it too late'."

Elsom's decision to play for the Barbarians against the Wallabies on June 6 has been reported in Australia as an indication that he plans to remain in Europe.

Speaking after Leinster's 6-5 victory at The Stoop, Elsom said that while returning to play for the Wallabies was his "priority", no deal had yet been agreed, adding that staying in Ireland is "definitely an option".

Sporting Life / Eurosport