Trans-Tasman finals would be 'awesome', Brumbies Allan Alaalatoa skipper says

Super Rugby clubs started returning to training this week after restrictions were eased and government's granted them permission to use their facilities in groups of 10.

The plan is for an Australian domestic competition will start on the first weekend in July, but the format of a 10-12-week tournament and participating teams are yet to be confirmed.

The Western Force and the Japan Sunwolves could both be involved if Rugby Australia and franchises can agree on the finer details.

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said this week his preference was for a finals series to be played, whether that be to crown an Australian champion or a Super Rugby winner.

New Zealand will start their "Super Rugby Aotearoa" on June 13, with the five Super Rugby teams to play across a 10-week tournament.

There is hope the New Zealand and Australian champions will meet in a grand final, potentially as a precursor to a Bledisloe Cup series.

"What we know as players is there are two drafts that have been put out there. Mainly based around a domestic comp," Alaalatoa said during a Brumbies members forum.

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"That's involving the Western Force, which is one of the drafts. The other draft involves the Western Force and the Sunwolves.

"With the situation we're in at the moment, we can only plan a domestic comp. But I'm sure if the bubble does open and we get to connect with the New Zealand country, then I'm sure people who will be put in charge will decide on that.

"But I think it would lead towards more Bledisloe. I think a trans-Tasman finals series would be awesome and I think that's something everyone would love to see."

The Brumbies started training on Tuesday after agreeing to Rugby Australia's coronavirus return to play guidelines, which were detailed during an information session earlier this week.

The 32-page document outlines the safety measures required at training facilities, with contact training expected to resume on June 8, or earlier depending on government restrictions.

Each team has to have a COVID-19 management team and enforce hygiene protocols, including having temperature tested every morning and filling out health information every morning before training.

Rugby Australia officials are still working to finalise a plan for a season restart, which has been flagged for a July 3 or 4 kick-off.

The Brumbies were easily the best Australian team before the season was stopped, winning five of their six games and beating the NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels in derby matches.

The points they gained from their best start to a season in 16 years will be wiped, but the players and coach Dan McKellar still have high hopes for winning whatever title is on offer this year.

"If it is the competition we think it's going to be, you're still playing roughly 10 games I would imagine, a finals series is always a good way to finish your competition," McKellar said.

"I'm never a huge fan of first past the post I think it's always good for supporters, fans and everyone involved to have that grand final or that final occasion.

"I think it's good for players as well, for their own development, putting them in a more pressured situation so I'd like to see a grand final at GIO if we can get crowds back but we'll see how we go."