The ACT Brumbies will give David Pocock extra time to make a decision about his playing future, refusing to rush the superstar flanker into an early public announcement.
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But Brumbies coach Dan McKellar says the club has made moves to "future proof" the club by re-signing a host of young guns, including back-rower Tom Cusack.
Pocock is yet to make a decision about whether he will continue playing in Australia, move his career abroad or retire after the World Cup in Japan later this year.
The 31-year-old's attention has been diverted to overcoming a calf problem, which has derailed his season so far and limited him to playing just three of 10 games this year.
It is hoped Pocock will be fit to play for the Brumbies in their clash against the Pretoria Bulls on May 24 after being unavailable since March 8.
Cusack has stepped up in Pocock's absence this year, while Lachlan McCaffrey is understood to be on the verge of finalising a new contract and Rob Valetini has re-signed for the coming seasons.
Pete Samu is in the first season of a two-year contract and the Brumbies are also likely to recruit NSW flanker Will Miller to bolster their squad.
Pocock staying in Canberra would be a bonus, but the Brumbies have built depth to prepare for his potential departure.
"I haven't really spoken to Poey about it. He'll make an announcement when he thinks the time is right," McKellar said.
"We just want him back on the field this year. When you've been injured you've got to consider all options [for your comeback], we'll sit down with him and make a decision that's in his best interest.
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"If anyone is going to be able to come back off limited game time and perform well, it would be David. But we'll consider all options ... starting, off the bench, a run in club rugby. But nothing is set in stone."
Cusack will spend the Super Rugby off-season with the Australian sevens side in the hope of earning selection for the Tokyo Olympic Games next year. However, he will not be shared between programs during the Super Rugby season, with the Rio Olympian committing to the Brumbies' 2020 campaign.
"Tommy will be back here for day one of pre-season and be with us for the Super Rugby season," McKellar said. "It's a combined contract, but there's no disruption to us."
The Brumbies are in contract negotiations with several stars, including Scott Sio, Christian Lealiifano, Henry Speight and Tevita Kuridrani.
It is hoped the bulk will stay at the club, but some off-contract players are likely to move abroad given it's the end of a four-year World Cup cycle.
Playmaker Wharenui Hawera is set to move to Japan before the end of the season, making Lealiifano's decision an important one for the Brumbies' future. But McKellar will likely throw faith in young flyhalves he has coming through the ranks, including Noah Lolesio and Bayley Kuenzle.
"Christian has to make a decision on what's best for him and his family. Christian so often makes decisions on what's best for others, at this point he has to do what's best for him," McKellar said. "There's no pressure from me. He knows I'd love to keep him to continue to lead. But if he decides it's time to move on, then so be it."
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Sunday: ACT Brumbies v Japan Sunwolves at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.
