A hitch over image rights is still standing between outhalf Diego Dominguez and a place in Italy's Six Nations campaign, Corriere dello Sport reported yesterday.

Dominguez, originally from Argentina, retired after last year's inaugural Six Nations Tournament - Italy's first - but had indicated he would return to international rugby for this season's competition, beginning with the match against Ireland on February 3rd.

Italy's coach Brad Johnstone told the newspaper that 34-yearold Dominguez was the only player capable of performing at outhalf at Six Nations level.

"If we have to do without him I will choose game by game but all the players we have tried in that position since April have shown they are not up to speed yet for a tournament of that level."

But Dominguez and Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) president Giancarlo Dondi are still to hammer out an agreement over the rights to the player's image. Dondi has made it clear that he believes the federation is also entitled to a dividend if Dominguez is photographed in the blue shirt of the national team.

The likes of Ramiro Pez, Francesco Mazziarol and Giacomo Preo have tried and failed to take over the mantle of Dominguez and the absence of a reliable goalkicker has proved costly to Italy since Dominguez stood down.

Meanwhile, Wallaby captain John Eales will hold off until midyear before deciding on his sporting future, saying he is torn between his family and rugby.

Eales was at Queensland's first training camp in Brisbane yesterday but remains unsure whether he will quit the game at the end of the year as has been speculated.

"I haven't decided yet. I will play and see how I am enjoying it, but I'm sure I'll know by midyear," Eales said. "I'm not going to rush making a decision at all."

Eales (30) has achieved virtually everything in international rugby but has yet to enjoy success with Queensland in the Super 12 series.