Cummins caught in contract catch-22

Western Force and Wallabies star Nick Cummins is keen to commit to the Super Rugby club but his playing future is in limbo.

Both the Force and Australian Rugby Union have tabled offers and opened talks with Cummins, while the Force have spoken to the ARU about a Wallabies top-up for the winger.

Cummins, who will be out of contract in December, has received an offer from another Australian Super Rugby franchise and there is interest from overseas, including Japan.

Earlier this year, French Top 14 side Montpellier made an offer that the Force could not have matched.

But because Cummins wants to stay with the Force and establish himself as a Wallaby, he has put all other offers on the backburner and by not chasing the big money international deals, doors are closing as overseas seasons have either started or are about to get under way.

Cummins' manger Carl McDonald said offers had been tabled but he had only had informal talks with the ARU, Force management and coach Michael Foley. Further talks had not yet been scheduled.

"Nick's first priority is securing a place in the Wallabies Test side," McDonald said.

The Force are keen to retain Cummins, who has become a fan favourite and cult figure with his self-proclaimed honey badger nickname, but chief executive Mark Sinderberry is on a holiday this week and talks will not restart until he returns.

It is understood Cummins is chasing an upgrade heading into 2014, but the Force would find it hard to fund his initial request because of financial constraints.

He is in a catch-22 situation. Under ARU policy, players must be contracted and playing with a Super Rugby franchise or in a domestic competition to be considered for national selection.

Unless a player confirms they have struck a deal in Australia they will not open discussions with them about a Wallabies deal.

Cummins and James O'Connor are the Force's two big signing targets for next season.