His release with one year to go on his contract, announced by the Irish club on Friday, leaves the option of a World Cup cameo very much on the cards for the former Waratahs second-rower.

Now that Douglas has returned to Australia, a deal is likely imminent, with the ARU previously signalling its desire to bring Douglas back to Australia, sending a request to Leinster for his release.

It is believed there was a hefty buy-out clause in Douglas's Leinster contract, reported to be $370,000.

An ARU spokesman said the organisation had not yet had a formal conversation with Douglas since his official release and confirmed his buy-out fee was not funded by the ARU, a stance the ARU has held on a number of contracts, including flyhalf Quade Cooper's deal with Toulon.

A back injury curtailed the end of Douglas's season with Leinster, with the 26-year-old making 20 appearances for the side this season.

Douglas was a championship-winning Waratah in 2014 but the Queensland Reds loom as his most likely Super Rugby destination going forward.

When he departed the New South Wales franchise last season, Douglas spoke of his desire to return in a World Cup, though the 2019 tournament was the aim.

A move to the Reds would bring him closer to his father Chris and brother Luke, who plays for NRL club the Gold Coast Titans, while he and partner Jennarly are expecting their first child.

To be eligible for Wallabies duty, Douglas would have to be signed to a two-year deal with a Super Rugby franchise, given his 14 Test caps and five Super Rugby seasons fall below the 60-cap/seven-year minimum for overseas-based players to play for the national side.

Douglas would be a handy replacement for Reds stalwart James Horwill, who is leaving for the Harlequins after the World Cup.

If it all comes to fruition, Douglas's return would put pressure his former teammates Dean Mumm and Will Skelton for World Cup spots.