Gregan had been tipped to hang up his boots

Speculation had been mounting the 30-year-old scrum-half was set to announce his international retirement after losing the World Cup final to England.

But O'Neill, the chief executive of the Australian Rugby Union, said he was confident of dissuading him.

"George is going to play on. He's signed up, admittedly the ink's not dry on the paper, but he is playing on," said O'Neill.

The Zambian-born Gregan told reporters after his side's World Cup demise that he planned to delay an announcement on his future plans for a month.

Jones hails England

But Gregan and coach Eddie Jones, who has another year to run on his contract, look set to stay put.

O'Neill added: "Eddie is staying on until at least the end of his contract and may well go beyond that.

"We'll have a good chat, he's done a great job. I've never met a bloke who works harder."