Aussie rugby ready for possible Gasnier return

Mark Gasnier could be a Wallaby by the end of this year if he decides to return to Australia, says Australia's high-performance director, David Nucifora.

Gasnier touched down in Sydney last week ahead of his wedding yesterday and has made it clear he will decide his playing future in the next month, with his contract at French rugby side Stade Francais expiring in June. The talented 28-year-old is rumoured to be looking for a return to Australia after two seasons in the French league, and Nucifora said the ARU would be willing to facilitate it.

''Mark Gasnier's in town, is he?'' Nucifora grinned. ''If he is keen to come back and have a crack at rugby in Australia then we'd love to see him here. He's a talented footballer and would add depth to the playing ranks, and that's what we're all about …

''We keep a close eye on Australian players in France and England, especially over the past 12 months. We have a very good idea of Mark and all of our players who are around the world now. And he's not a rugby league player any more, he's a rugby player. And a good one.''

Nucifora did not rule out the former Kangaroos star getting a start for the Wallabies as soon as this year's spring tour should he choose to return to Australia in June.

''Hypothetically, if a player like Mark Gasnier did come back mid year he could play club rugby and be eligible for the Wallabies,'' Nucifora said. ''He could play at a Brisbane club, he could play where he likes.

''And Robbie [Deans, the Wallabies coach] showed last year with guys like Dave Dennis and Matt Dunning that good form in club rugby can translate into a position in the Wallabies squad.

''The French do us a favour at times - take the players over, convert them and play them and see if they're good enough, so maybe they can come home. I think Mark's good enough, but it's up to him if he comes back.''

Waratahs chief executive Jim L'Estrange held talks with Gasnier before his departure for France in 2008 and said the NSW franchise for one would be interested in his services.

''He's a obviously a really talented player and he's doing a pretty good job in the transition to rugby union,'' L'Estrange told The Sun-Herald. ''And if there's a chance to have a cup of coffee, of course we'd sit down to see what his plans are.

''We haven't organised to have a coffee with him, but who knows? If the opportunity comes for us to sit down and see what his plans are, what his aspirations are about footy, of course we'd keep those doors open.''

''I know if it was on offer, that would be absolutely where we were. A t this stage however, that's all the intent is. I don't know if it will happen but we'll be there if it does.''

Gasnier's manager, George Mimis, said no official negotiations were planned with league or union franchises, but said he and Gasnier were open to casual talks. While Gasnier would not make up his mind before returning to France, he would soon finalise his playing future.

While enjoying the relative anonymity that life as a rugby player in France offers, Gasnier is believed to be longing to return to Australia after almost two years abroad.

''People go overseas to play for a lot of different reasons - obviously money is one of them,'' Nucifora said. ''But it's not the only one. And there's reasons they want to come home.

''If you've played a season or two in European rugby, when they get out there and play in the mud and the slush and the cold, playing rugby here at the start of the year is pretty enticing.''

Just as luring, the green and gold of a Wallabies World Cup guernsey.

- © Fairfax NZ News