Stephen Larkham's high-profile move to Edinburgh is in doubt, following the latest twist in the saga of the troubled Scottish professional club.

The Australian stand-off, who won his 100th cap in Saturday's 25-17 victory over South Africa in Sydney, had originally rejected offers from France and England to become the biggest name ever to sign for a Scottish rugby team.

However, Larkham, 33, who wasn't planning to travel to Edinburgh until after the World Cup in September and October, is now planning to meet with his agent in the next 48 hours to discuss whether the ongoing row between Bob Carruthers, Edinburgh's owner, and Gordon McKie, the SRU chief executive, has jeopardised the move.

Larkham, who received a hero's welcome in his final international on Australian soil, signed a two-year contract, believed to be worth £250,000, with Edinburgh in May.

He said at the time: "I was very impressed by the professionalism of Edinburgh in their negotiations. They were not the highest bidders, but they were far and away better than any of the other clubs I spoke to and I felt that they offered the best environment for rugby."

Unfortunately, the always-strained relationship between Edinburgh's officials and the SRU has hit rock bottom in the last week. Bob Carruthers said yesterday that redundancies were "inevitable" at his club and is actively encouraging his leading players to seek employment openings elsewhere.

"I have told the internationalists' agents If your man has got somewhere else to go, then tell him to take it'," said Carruthers. "If he has the talent and the opportunity, then I am not going to hold him back. I wouldn't want players stuck in the mire in Edinburgh if they have another avenue which is open to them."

Larkham, who will have no shortage of alternatives if he uses the get-out clause inserted in his contract, has yet to comment on the situation. But the Fox Network in Australia reporting on the problems at Edinburgh led their story with the headline "Larkham Edinburgh deal in trouble".

It seems improbable it will proceed in the present climate.

Meanwhile, John Connolly, the Australia coach, hailed Larkham's contribution to his side's 25-17 comeback win over South Africa. "This game for us tonight was very much about Stephen and George Gregan, he admitted. "The players were very conscious of recognising what they've done for Australia.

Jake White, the South Africa coach, has further problems with stand-in captain Bob Skinstad suffering a broken rib. The Springboks travel to New Zealand for game five of the six-match series next weekend.