Larkham has had one eye on Brumbies contracts while in camp with the Wallabies for their three Test series against England and is edging closer to finalising more deals.

Prop Ruan Smith and winger Lausii Taiauli are both considering their futures as rivals teams enter the frame and the Brumbies work to keep a strong the mix of players on their books.

The departure of Stephen Moore (Queensland), Joseph Tomane (Montpellier) and Matt Toomua (Leicester) as well as the temporary absence of David Pocock (sabbatical) appears to open up significant room for the Brumbies to sign players.

But the club has opted to use the extra room in the salary cap to upgrade their current players and reward them for three consecutive years of Super Rugby finals action.

"We've got guys staying around and you want to try to keep the same squad, but to do that is increasingly difficult," Larkham said.

"Particularly when you're developing good players. The challenge is still the salary cap and maintaining the squad within that, which is an issue that faces every team."

Former Australian sevens player Taliauli said: "Hopefully we know in the next month what I'll be doing next year, and hopefully it's staying with the Brumbies."

Smith faces a tough decision on his next career move after revealing he has committed to another stint in Japan with the Toyota Verblitz.

Smith is locked in negotiations with the Brumbies while it is understood some rival franchises have also shown interest in luring him away from the capital.

"Going to Japan does take a toll on the body a bit but I'm keen to go back and I definitely want to come back to Super Rugby and see how it goes," Smith said.

"The Brumbies have spoken to me and are keen to keep me, we'll see how it goes and hopefully I can finalise something in the next month or so to see where I will be.

"I'm not sure what's going to happen. It was a no brainer for me to go to Japan, but I'll see what happens beyond that."

The Brumbies will return to Canberra on Wednesday after losing the final of the world club 10s tournament in Mauritius.

Smith was a strong performer in all six matches as the Brumbies fell short of their goal of winning the title when they were beaten by the Western Force in the Cup final.

But the games took on extra meaning with the looming race to the Super Rugby finals when the competition ends a month-long break next week.

The 10s format doubles as a crucial fitness block for the Brumbies players not involved in the Wallabies series against England.

It also forces props like Smith, a 123-kilogram beast, to test themselves in a game more suited to back line stars with explosive pace.

The Brumbies play the Queensland Reds, Auckland Blues and Western Force in their last three games of the regular season, and need to win all three to book a spot in the play-offs.

"All the teams run so you're constantly working and if there are two or three guys on the ground, you're in trouble. So for us big boys, it's good because it makes you do the work," Smith said.

"As front-rowers it's the same as what you normally do, and it's not much difference to 15-a-side. You've just got a bit more room to play with. We've got a big month coming up, I definitely think it will help."

* Chris Dutton is in Mauritius for the world club 10s tournament as a guest of Mauritius Tourism and Carinat Sports Marketing.