Wallabies skipper Rocky Elsom heads into a Rugby World Cup year with hamstring issues which could sideline him for some time if he requires surgery.

The barnstorming backrower was a key member of a developing Australian side which showed undeniable potential during a Spring Tour campaign, a trip which included a drought-breaking win over New Zealand and a spectacular last-game thrashing of Six-Nations champions France.

Elsom isn't due to resume training with the Brumbies until January 10.

He has a history of hamstring-related problems, missing the Brumbies opening-round Super game last season and suffering another injury later in the year in a rare club appearance.

Brumbies coach Andy Friend confirmed Elsom returned from Europe with hamstring issues, but was hopeful a period of rest or some injections would be the answer rather than surgery.

"I know he's reluctant to have surgery, as are we, because that would put him out for some time," Friend told AAP.

He said he had a bit of dialogue with Elsom on his fitness, but hadn't yet canvassed the option of surgery.

"It's that far removed as an option at the moment," Friend said.

"Our doctor Angus Bathgate has been having discussions with him.

"It's really a time thing, just to see how this little rest period (works) for him, what that does to his hamstring and whether that will be enough for him."

Whether or not Elsom is fit for the start of the Brumbies campaign in the expanded Super tournament there will be a battle for at least one other spot in their back row.

With revered ball poaching openside flanker George Smith playing overseas, youngsters Michael Hooper and Colby Faingaa will vie for the No.7 jersey with Julian Salvi, who has returned from English club Bath.

"He (Salvi) adds a lot of experience there, but we've got Colby Faingaa and Michael Hooper, who I think are two quality footballers and it's going to be exciting to see who ends up wearing that jersey," Friend said.

He said he still had one outside back spot to fill on his roster.

"We do have an overseas option, but at this point in time, we wouldn't be exercising that," Friend said.

"We've got some young academy guys we've been trialling for that position in the six and a half weeks leading into Christmas and they've all done very well.

"I feel as though we've got the person there. It's just a matter of seeing those guys now play in the trials and see who performs best in that period.

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