ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar hopes his squad can return to the training paddock as soon as the Canberra Raiders receive the green light, saying the rules should apply to both codes.
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The Brumbies are training in isolation as they await direction on Super Rugby's future, with a domestic or trans-Tasman competition looming as the most likely option for 2020.
Their rival code is targeting a return to action on May 28, with the NRL hoping to give clubs at least four weeks of training before the competition resumes.
That means the Raiders could recommence training on the week of April 27, provided they receive the all clear from the ACT government.
McKellar hopes the same rules will apply to the Brumbies for training, regardless of whether a remodelled Super Rugby competitions gets off the ground next month.
"I couldn't imagine there would be different rules," McKellar said.
"You have to admire the NRL's ambition and desire to get the competition running again.
"I love rugby league and I'd love to see the Raiders playing again as well. If that happens, then it makes it a possibility for the Brumbies, Super Rugby, AFL and all sports to get back off the ground again.
"I'd imagine that would be in front of empty stadiums to start with, but it'll be nice to get fans among the game again when it is safe to do so."
While the NRL is considering a shortened 15-game season having only played two rounds, remodelling the Super Rugby season comes as a completely different beast due to its international structure.
Resuming the competition in its existing format with teams from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa and Argentina is currently unattainable, with strict travel bans and mandatory quarantine regulations in place.
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If a remodelled trans-Tasman or Australia-based competition is staged in coming months, administrators could scrap points to create an even playing field.
The Brumbies sat comfortably on top of the Australian-conference ladder before Super Rugby was suspended, having won five games in six appearances.
They were 10 competition points ahead of the Melbourne Rebels and Queensland Reds, while the NSW Waratahs and Japanese Sunwolves only racked up a handful of points with one win apiece.
McKellar says his players should be rewarded for their efforts and have their points counted in any competition restructure.
He also acknowledged they might have to compromise on points taken from international matches if an Australian-based competition goes ahead.
"It would be disappointing for us [if they were scrapped] considering the hard work that's gone into the season so far," McKellar said.
"There was so much work put into the pre-season to make sure we were in good condition and prepared as a team to start the season well.
"We probably had our best season to date, certainly in the years I've been at the club. We've won 13 of our last 15 games, there's a really good feeling about the club.
"You want to see the teams who started the first seven rounds well rewarded, whether it's us or whoever it might be.
If you're going into an Australian domestic competition, then the international sides you picked up points against, like the Waikato Chiefs, maybe those points won't count.
"The most important thing is we get rugby back onto the television screens, players playing it and coaches coaching it as soon as possible."
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
