Rugby Australia have announced that they are looking at creating a new national club competition.
However, nothing will be set in stone until after the organisation have agreed terms on a new broadcasting rights deal.
“Rugby Australia wishes to confirm that it has investigated the establishment of a national club competition ahead of its media rights negotiation. However the final competition format will not be determined until further consultation with the successful broadcaster, the state and territory member unions, and the clubs,” Rugby Australia said in a statement earlier today.
Rugby Australia are set to take their broadcasting rights to the market next month in what is a historic move that could pave a new way forward for the game.
It was reported previously that long-term broadcaster Fox Sport had left Rugby Australia following an inability to agree on a deal running from 2021-2025.
However, CEO Raelene Castle stated yesterday that the media broadcaster hasn’t yet walked away and believes that they will be in the frame come next month.
The introduction of a new format to the national league would add to the overall pull of a package for the broadcaster that wants to agree a deal as they will also have coverage of the Rugby Championship and Super Rugby competitions.
