Centre Adam Ashley-Cooper hopes his decision to recommit to the Wallabies, post World Cup, spurs Australian team-mates to follow his lead.

Ashley-Cooper joined fellow Brumby Stephen Moore in turning down a lucrative offer to play in Europe and extending his contract with the ARU until the end of 2013.

While Australian rugby fans fearing a mass exodus of stars following this year's World Cup can breathe a little easier, Brumbies' followers remain on tenterhooks with Ashley-Cooper yet to commit to Canberra.

The 26-year-old is considering whether to leave the Brumbies, where he currently has 62 caps, and join his girlfriend in Sydney and play with the NSW Waratahs.

"I need some time to get on top of a few personal circumstances to finalise a decision," he said.

"I'm very happy here in Canberra and happy with the Brumbies, there's just a few personal issues I need time to consider."

Despite his talent and versatility, having played wing, fullback and inside centre for Australia, Ashley-Cooper hasn't been approached by any other states.

Officially at least, Melbourne Rebels skipper and long-time friend Stirling Mortlock has been doing his best to get Ashley-Cooper to move south.

"There's been plenty of texts and I'm sure there will be plenty more to follow after today," Ashley-Cooper said.

The 51-Test veteran is taking on a similar unofficial recruitment role for the ARU, hoping to convince his Test team-mates stay on.

As many as 15 other Wallabies come off contract in October with many, including Matt Giteau, Dean Mumm and Luke Burgess, linked with deals offshore.

"I was very, very close to going so I'd imagine there are a lot of others in the same position.

"I'm hoping that my decision will help influence other players to stay behind as well.

"I think there's exciting times ahead and the Wallabies, with the progress they're making, I think there's just too much fun to be had."

Ashley-Cooper said the lure of playing the British and Irish Lions in Australia in 2013 was key to his decision.

He said he was glued to the television in his loungeroom on the NSW central coast in 2001 to watch Australia edge the tourists 2-1 in a thrilling series.

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for a player and not many people get to experience it.

"It's certainly something that motivates me and influenced my decision to stay because I'd certainly like to be a part of it in 2013."

After missing last week's trial in Darwin, Ashley-Cooper will make his first appearance of 2011 in the Brumbies' final pre-season trial against the Hurricanes in Canberra on Thursday.

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