Wallabies veteran Nathan Sharpe says he will take a few days to consider a request that he delay his retirement for a second time to lead Australia on its end of year tour of Europe next month.

Sharpe confirmed he had been asked to stay on for the four-Test tour of Italy, France, England and Wales but said he had not decided whether or not he would.

Stand-in Wallabies skipper Nathan Sharpe. Credit:Reuters

The 34-year-old, who has notched more than 100 Test caps for Australia, had planned to retire at the end of the Super Rugby season but was persuaded to play in the Rugby Championship due to injuries in Australia's second row stocks.

Former captain and second-rower James Horwill, plus his replacement captain David Pocock, are on track to return for the tour, which starts on November 3, but will be coming back from extended lay-offs.