Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will be prevented from calling on overseas-based Test forwards Dan Vickerman and Rocky Elsom during this spring's European tour.

Hopes of a relaxation of the policy preventing foreign-based players being selected for Australia were quashed by the Australian Rugby Union.

The ARU board reconfirmed its hard-line stance, to protect the game domestically, in the wake of recent media speculation Deans could call upon European-based stars during the end of season tour.

Elsom, leaving for a short-term contract in Ireland, and England-bound Vickerman, were viewed as potential tour members but will now be off limits until they return to playing in the Super 14.

A loosening of the ironclad agreement would have opened a can of worms for the ARU with far more money on offer for international players in Europe.

Sitting in Sydney on Friday, the nine-man board also settled on the conditions of the recently-altered policy allowing Super 14 franchises the opportunity to recruit foreigners.

Australian teams can each sign two overseas players for next year's Super 14, but will be restricted to just one "marquee" foreigner - an international who can never qualify for the Wallabies.

The four Super 14 teams will also be able to contract a second "developing" foreigner yet to represent his native country at Test, sevens or A-team level and could qualify for the Wallabies after three years of residency.

The board accepted a management recommendation that a province could sign two development players if it opted against recruiting an established overseas star.

Marquee signings will be limited to a two-year stint and Super 14 teams must apply to the ARU before contracting foreign players.

"There is no doubt the injection of world class foreign players will create added interest in the Super Rugby competition," said ARU chairman Peter McGrath.

"We're also confident overseas players will be excited about the potential opportunities.

"It will not stop foreign Test players continuing their international careers outside Australia."

Queensland have already sized up a potential marquee player with veteran English sevens star Ben Gollings debuting for the Reds on their four-match development tour of Ireland and France.

"We will always protect the sanctity of (IRB) Regulation 9 which gives a national body first call on their eligible players," McGrath said.

"However, the idea that marquee players might want to come to Australia is something we should allow our provincial teams to explore.

"Likewise if there are talented young players in other countries who would like to pursue their rugby dreams in Australia and one day play for the Wallabies, then this policy change will also open the door to them."

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