Baxter considers Europe move

Baxter: keeping options open

Australia's most-capped prop Al Baxter looks set to play in Europe next season after a breakdown in contract discussions with the Australian Rugby Union.

"We've come to an impasse. I have been getting a fair few offers from overseas in the past months"
Al Baxter Quotes of the week

The 32-year-old, who has played in 64 Tests and two World Cups for the Wallabies, claims to have received three offers from European club sides.

"We've come to an impasse. I have been getting a fair few offers from overseas in the past months," Baxter told The Sydney Morning Herald.

"I'm hoping it doesn't come to that. But this is getting close to my last contract, if not my last.

"So I have to start thinking about paying off a fair chunk of the mortgage, and ensuring that I have some money set aside for kids' schooling and things like that."

Deans hopeful

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans remains hopeful Baxter will remain in Australia.

"Al's been a big servant of Australian rugby in the past and has got the capacity to be a big servant in the future as well," Deans said.

"He's done his time and he really set himself probably last year as a pre-eminent tight head.

"I'm hopeful that he wants to play some more, but those are players' choices and there's a lot of things that they consider."