ACT Brumbies skipper Carter signed a new two-year deal on Friday to stay in Canberra and attempt to force his way back into the Wallabies squad after playing just two Tests in more than two years.

Super Rugby late-bloomer Fardy, 32, has agreed to a two-year to play for Irish club Leinster, but could revive his hopes of playing at the World Cup if he decides to make an Australian rugby comeback at the end of his contract.

The duo's bittersweet signing news came on the eve of the Brumbies' first home game of the season against the Durban Sharks on Saturday night.

It will double as Carter's first chance to captain the Brumbies at Canberra Stadium and the hard-working lock wants to start his leadership reign on a high.

However, Carter admitted he contemplated leaving Australian rugby after limited Test opportunities since 2014, but said: "I love the Brumbies culture and what it stands for.

"When you play rugby, you want to play at the highest level and [the World Cup] is still a major goal for me.

"If I have a good year and back it up with another good year next [season] then anything can happen.

"I explored a lot of options over the last four or five months, but in the end staying down here, having another crack at the gold jersey and playing for the Brumbies for the next two years was too good to resist."

The Brumbies are working with several players in the hope of keeping the bulk of their squad together.

But some are waiting to see who will be the club's next coach after Stephen Larkham leaves to become a full-time Wallabies assistant.

The uncertainty surrounding Super Rugby's future and the potential of an Australian team being axed from the competition is also delaying some of the process.

Fardy said he is leaving to make way for back-rowers on the rise, despite waiting until 2012 to break into Super Rugby.

Fardy was instrumental in lifting the Wallabies into the World Cup final two years ago and has played 39 Tests for Australia.

His decision to join Leinster will make him ineligible to play for the Wallabies for the time he is based in Dublin.

But he could come into World Cup selection contention if he re-signs with an Australian team before the tournament starts and after his Leinster deal ends.

Fardy doesn't fit the criteria for the ARU's "Giteau Law", which allows players with 60 Test caps and seven Super Rugby seasons to be eligible for Wallabies duties even if they're based overseas.

"A huge part of my life is here in Canberra, [the Brumbies] gave me my opportunity to play Super Rugby and I'm forever grateful for that," Fardy said.

"I think it's time for a change and a new challenge, I think there are a number of players here who can take my position really easily and go forward.

"There are younger players who are always going to be better than me, they just need time. I'm also looking for an opportunity to play overseas ... rugby is a passport to the world.

"I don't think [the World Cup] is completely shut off. It's up to me what I do when I get over there and how well I play, it's all in my hands I guess."

Brumbies coach Larkham will continue to work on recruitment and retention of players and new general manager of high performance, Damien Hill, will also work on player contracts.

"Sam is a great player and a great presence, and Fards adds so much to the team," Larkham said.

"Sam was in the World Cup squad in 2015 and was on the fringes last year. He's had a few chats with [Wallabies coach] Michael Cheika about what it takes to get back in the Wallabies, and he still has that dream."

SUPER RUGBY ROUND TWO

Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Durban Sharks at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 1. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Brumbies team: 15. Aidan Toua, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Kyle Godwin, 11. James Dargaville, 10. Wharenui Hawera, 9. Joe Powell, 8. Jordan Smiler, 7. Chris Alcock, 6. Scott Fardy. 5. Sam Carter, 4. Rory Arnold, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 2. Josh Mann-Rea, 1. Scott Sio. Reserves: 16. Robbie Abel, 17. Ben Alexander, 18. Les Leuluaialii-Makin, 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Lolo Fakaosilea, 21. De Wet Roos, 22. Andrew Smith, 23. Isaac Thompson.