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March 11, 2008
THE Brumbies are poised to join Western Force in the race to sign disillusioned Australian and Queensland hooker Stephen Moore.
And the Force is also believed to be interested in NSW blindside flanker Rocky Elsom, as well as New Zealand props Ben Franks and Tim Fairbrother.
The 25-year-old is seriously considering exercising a release-clause in his contract, which will allow him to play for another Australian team next year.
While the Force has already expressed interest in Moore, the he is genuine in his desire to leave Queensland.
"But he is a quality player and we would explore the opportunity if it came up.
"He is the incumbent Wallaby No2 and he's still young. We would be interested."
Elsom will not think about which Super 14 team he will play for until he sorts out his Wallabies' top-up deal with the ARU.
If he fails to reach a satisfactory agreement with the ARU, he is likely to pursue his career overseas.
But should Elsom manage to secure a better deal from the ARU, the Force is certain to make a play for the 25-year-old.
The Force has several good backrowers, but lacks a specialist blindside flanker.
"It will be a couple of weeks before things are finalised," Elsom said. "We are at the stage where we will have another chat to work out what's important for both of us.
"I'm past the stage of further negotiations. I'm just hoping to make a choice."
There is also speculation the Force is interested in Franks and Fairweather, who play for the Crusaders and Hurricanes respectively.
Franks was born in Melbourne, while it is believed Fairbrother has Australian ancestry, which makes them both eligible to play for the Wallabies.
However it is understood Franks is contracted to the Crusaders for another couple of years.
Rocky Elsom won't come the ARU wont release him with the "tahs" crying blue murder again about us (EWF) stealing players..