While Ashley-Cooper has re-signed with the ARU for another two years, he is yet to recommit to the Brumbies or accept an offer from the Waratahs.
Ashley-Cooper has until the end of the month to exercise the out-clause in his contract.
He originally contemplated moving to Sydney because his partner is based in the Harbour City, but he now has much more to consider.
It is understood Ashley-Cooper is waiting to find out who will be the Brumbies' head coach next year following the sacking of Andy Friend.
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Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan flew to Cape Town this week to talk to former World Cup-winning South Africa coach Jake White, who expressed interest in the job.
Notwithstanding a long list of potential candidates, White is the only coach the Brumbies are seriously considering at the moment.
A deal with White is believed to be close, but not quite done.
If Fagan can secure White in the next week or so, it would help the Brumbies' chances of retaining Ashley-Cooper, their most dynamic strike player.
Some observers believe Ashley-Cooper's decision not to announce anything before the Brumbies-Waratahs game suggests he is leaning towards moving to Sydney.
There is no way Ashley-Cooper would want it known that he had agreed to play for NSW in the same week the Brumbies were playing against the Waratahs.
At the same time, Ashley-Cooper may feel the announcement of his decision, whichever way he goes, would be too big a distraction in the week before such an important game.