From rugby.com.au
Clarke said Australia's plans had been discussed with the other countries and said his organisation was still committed to being a part of SANZAAR for international rugby.
"I think the situation, partly driven by COVID, partly driven by individual countries' intentions has created somewhat difficult conversations around the SANZAAR table and Jurie Roux and South Africa has made his views known as has Gus Pichot from Argentina's point of view," he said.
"We have very much included them in all of our discussions.
"So, we're in no means cutting off our SANZAAR partners and we'll be looking to do things jointly with them beyond the TRC wherever possible.
"That said ,we do need to have a competition that has integrity to it and has an ability to grow our game here in Australia and grow our fan base and some of the options we're looking at we believe will do just that."
At least one SANZAAR partner has put some effort into consulting the other partners, something that NZR arrogance did not consider relevant. You'd imagine that RSA and Argentina will be happier with this proposal due to higher respect being shown - but it doesn't mean it will suit them.
NZ can work a TT which fits RA requirements or we go alone. RA have needed to put a time line on decissions as there are broadcast process negotiation deadlines.
Things are definitely getting closer for AUs proceeding domestically should NZR not quickly reconsider.
Hamish seems to have the courage of his convictions and is developing a competition structure which designed as much as possible for commercial success. Something that has not seriously been addressed previously.
There is also the involvement of PI in consideration - targeted as expansion of the domestic component. SO decissions are required from NZR before the conversation can be advanced.
If New Zealand opts against agreeing to a trans-Tasman competition with five Australian and five New Zealand teams, Clarke said Australia would continue discussions with Japan and also the Pacific Island nations around having teams in Australia's tournament.
"It's five Australian teams, you can guarantee that," he said.
"We are in detailed discussions with the Japanese rugby union about a potential involvement of Japan in any future competitions and indeed the pacific, Fiji and other nations in the pacific, are always looking to get involved.
"Having the Drua involved in our National Rugby Championship paved the way to show just what they can do both on the field and the engagement with fans and that's something we'll look to explore as well.
Proof of the pudding is in the eating, but this looks good so far. Wouldn't it be amusing if Super becomes Super 6 if RSA, Argentina and Japan are interested while NZR continue hunting EOIs from Hawaii and outer Mongolia?
