The ACT Brumbies could be forced to fight for survival if Rugby Australia bows to its trans-Tasman counterparts amid plans for a new-look competition next year.
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New Zealand Rugby will seek expressions of interest from Australian teams to join a new franchise competition to replace Super Rugby in 2021 with an eye on eight to 10 teams.
The desire to add a Pacific team means up to three Australian clubs could be on the chopping block.
The ACT Brumbies opted to keep out of discussions until they have further clarification from RA but chief executive Phil Thomson has in the past ruled out any potential merger with Melbourne.
Clubs are likely to remain in the dark until RA meets with NZR next week to discuss the post-Super Rugby era.
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A three-month NZR review has concluded the new competition should feature all five Kiwi franchises, and a Pacific team and should boast eight to 10 teams in total.
That leaves room for two to four Australian teams, with NZR chief executive Mark Robinson putting out an invitation for existing Super Rugby franchises and other interested parties to apply.
The Brumbies are believed to be in a strong position to earn a licence should Rugby Australia commit to playing in the new trans-Tasman venture.
However the club could again be asked to show why they belong as a standalone franchise in a bid to shut down rumours of a merger with the likes of the Melbourne Rebels.
Thomson has previously shut down any remote chance of the Brumbies merging with an interstate rival, while RA has previously outlined a desire to field all five of its clubs.
There is the possibility of the Brumbies, Rebels, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds and Western Force breaking away for a domestic competition to mirror this year's iteration of Super Rugby in Australia.
Robinson said criteria would be developed as part of the expressions of interest process, slated to begin next week in the hope of having it finished by the end of August.
But the Brumbies and their interstate rivals will not rush to put in expressions of interest until they receive clarification from RA next week.
The NZR chief added the board was yet to settle on the ideal number of teams in the new competition but hoped to have between eight and 10 teams involved.
"We want teams that are competitive and that fans will want to watch go head to head, week in, week out," Robinson said.
Australian officials could be forced to cull another team or two and relive the messy fiasco caused by the Force's exit in 2017 before they returned to Super Rugby AU this year.
The uncertainty surrounding Australian rugby's future threatens to deal clubs with a major financial hit, with sponsors including the Brumbies' major partner Plus500, waiting for clarity for 2021 before committing.
Players have also been left in limbo with Australian sides forced to postpone contract negotiations until the competition's future is settled.
The Brumbies have already signed the likes of captain Allan Alaalatoa, Scott Sio, Pete Samu, Folau Fainga'a, and Tom Banks to long-term deals.
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
