Australian Rugby
Australia look to tie-up trio
ESPNscrum Staff
June 4, 2011
Australia coach Robbie Deans confronts the media, Australian Rugby Union headquarters, Sydney, Australia, May 31, 2011
Australia coach Robbie Deans talks with the media earlier this month © Getty Images
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Australia area optimistic they will tie coach Robbie Deans, skipper Rocky Elsom and star James O'Connor to new deals by the end of the month.

Australian Rugby Union chief John O'Neill wants to finalise the contracts by June 30 to ensure a speculation-free build up to the World Cup. O'Neill revealed earlier in the month that negotiations had begun with Deans while Elsom, who hopes to return to action for the Wallabies first Test this season against Samoa in July, has insisted that he will sign a new deal with the ARU.

"The objective is to have all contracting issues out of the way by June 30 and have clear air for the rest of the year," O'Neill said. "Dialogue with Robbie has been very good. It's been very productive and constructive and we're moving along now and plan to have a resolution before the first Test against Samoa at the start of next month.''

O'Neill also indicated that Dan Vickerman would be back in the Wallabies fold by the same date, and was due to return to Sydney on June 18 in time to play the Waratahs' last two Super Rugby matches.

"Dan is going to try and force his way into the Wallabies through club rugby, and the reports are he's fit and ready to go," O'Neill said."

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