Why Rugby Australia needs an offshore policy as Wallabies fullback Tom Banks nears decision

The ACT Brumbies are bracing for Banks to sign a two-year deal worth about $2.8 million in Japan, which would all but rule the Wallabies fullback out of the reckoning for the World Cup.

Because while the lure of a gold jersey is strong, a "life changer" of an offer like that is "a tough one to compete with".

Banks would be unlikely to feature in the Wallabies' side at next year's World Cup under Rugby Australia's offshore player policy, which restricts coach Dave Rennie to three overseas-based players in his squad per series or tournament.

So naturally some wondered if Rugby Australia should follow soccer's lead and scrap the cap, instead allowing an unlimited number of players to chase overseas riches and still be picked for the national team.

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But opening the floodgates would sound the death knell for Super Rugby.

Call it the Giteau Law or the Kerevi Clause - either way, completely wiping out criteria overseas-based players must meet to qualify for the Wallabies would be a fatal blow.

"You've got to do your best to retain your best talent on shore to ensure you've got a quality product for the spectators here," Brumbies chief executive Phil Thomson said.

"That's part of your broadcast negotiations and your commercial arrangements, having the best available talent playing here in Australia.

"We've got to work out ways we can compete with the overseas interest and try to make things attractive for players to stay on shore, to continue playing Super Rugby and for the Wallabies."

Queensland Reds forwards Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Angus Scott-Young are already bound for the UK Premiership. Melbourne Rebels and Wallabies hooker Jordan Uelese could follow suit. Test-capped Brumbies centre Irae Simone is set to pack his bags for France.

Imagine the sheer weight of talent that could follow them onto the plane if Australian players could cash in at overseas clubs and be all but guaranteed a Wallabies jersey.

Australia's Super Rugby clubs already know they have to lift if they are to have any real chance of troubling New Zealand's best when trans-Tasman rugby begins next week. The harsh reality is Australian teams are off the pace so far this year.

So picture for a moment a Brumbies side without its all-Wallaby front-row or its Test-capped halves pulling the strings. Think of a Reds side minus Taniela Tupou, or a NSW Waratahs side without Michael Hooper for more than a sabbatical. The Melbourne Rebels without Andrew Kellaway and Rob Leota. The Western Force missing Izack Rodda or some of the country's most promising young backs.

This is not to say every Wallaby would pack his bags and head overseas. Some, if not many, would stay. But even so, Rugby Australia could not run the risk. What kind of margins would Australian franchises be staring down the barrel of at Super Rugby level?

For a code already battling to lure fans back to games, losing star power at domestic level would be a headache the game's administrators could do without.

Crowds wouldn't come rushing back. Smaller crowds means less money in the back pocket of Super Rugby clubs and Rugby Australia. The financial fallout could be fatal.

Banks' looming exit from Australian rugby leaves serious question marks over Wallabies coach Rennie's depth at fullback on the road to the World Cup.

Banks could return against the Otago Highlanders this week after suffering a fractured cheekbone, but another week on ice would allow Tom Wright to press his case at fullback and provide something to ponder.

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC ROUND 10

Sunday: Otago Highlanders v ACT Brumbies at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, 2pm. Broadcast live on Stan Sport.

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