![ACT Brumbies player Tom Banks is set to make a decision on his Super Rugby future, and subsequently his Wallabies future, in the next fortnight. Picture: Karleen Minney ACT Brumbies player Tom Banks is set to make a decision on his Super Rugby future, and subsequently his Wallabies future, in the next fortnight. Picture: Karleen Minney](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/5E9aiwEpmxaHU7wKAB7bK/4b9be1b6-f010-4430-b71e-5e405ac071d6.jpg/r0_84_4703_2728_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Motivation and money.
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These are the core things driving Australia's rugby union players' decisions on their future ahead of the 2023 World Cup for Wallabies assistant coach Dan McKellar.
And they are the two things that need to be focused on to keep talent in Super Rugby.
Rugby Australia has a growing problem on its hands with a number of capped Wallabies, and future talent shunning the green and gold jersey for lucrative pay packets overseas.
For the ACT Brumbies coach, two things are driving these decisions for players - motivation and money.
"It comes down to the player's motivation. It's an individual choice, isn't it," McKellar said.
"It's life, you're always going to be faced with choices, whether it's football, or other areas of your life. So it's challenging.
"These clubs are in a position where they can offer significantly better money. So the challenge moving forward is how can we get money back into the game to compete with those offers."
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The Wallabies, and by default Super Rugby clubs, are set to lose a number of potential squad members to overseas deals ahead of next year's World Cup.
Rugby Australia's offshore player policy, which allows only three overseas-based players per series or tournament, is what is restricting Dave Rennie's squad selection options.
Queensland Reds forwards Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Angus Scott-Young are headed to the UK.
Melbourne Rebels and Wallabies hooker Jordan Uelese could follow suit, and Test-capped Brumbies centre Irae Simone is set to jet to France next year.
While Brumbies duo Tom Banks and Nick Frost are also heavily toying with offers in Japan.
Banks is set to make a call on his two-year deal in Japan worth about $2.8 million within a fortnight, following Rugby Australia's last-ditch effort to keep him in contention for France next year.
Although Frost has already signed a contract with the Panasonic Wild Knights for 2023, things could change in July.
The 22-year-old is an option to be named in Australia's Test series against England. If he does earn a Wallabies cap it could make it difficult to fulfil his contract with the League One club, as they are limited to fielding two players capped by foreign international teams.
McKellar said whilst Super Rugby clubs and RA could not match the money, they needed to be able to compete with offers from deep-pocketed overseas clubs poaching Australian talent.
"I don't think we'll ever match it but if you can compete and understand that playing for Australia, and representing your country, is a pretty proud thing to do when you look back on your career," he said.
"I think memories are pretty important."
In some instances RA has managed to keep its upcoming talent in Australia and Super Rugby. The Lonergan brothers have both re-signed with the Brumbies until the end of 2025 in a boost to the club and the national team set up.
Ryan and Lachlan have both featured in the Wallabies extended squads, and are both hoping to be a part of Australia's Tests against England and Ireland later this year.