Rugby Australia is negotiating with the Australian government for permission to host South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina in a shortened Rugby Championship later this year.

Currently, RA’s top priority is getting a domestic tournament up and running as soon as possible – with the four Vodacom Super Rugby franchises and the Western Force facing each other in a tournament that is pending approval from broadcasters.

Following two months in lockdown, Australian authorities have allowed all sports to restart with domestic competitions, but international tournaments are still in doubt due to ongoing travel restrictions.

RA interim chief executive Rob Clarke told reporters in Australia that they were in discussions with the federal government to see if they can host the other Sanzaar nations in a condensed Rugby Championship.

‘We’re exploring with the Australian government whether that can be a bubble here in Australia and we fly in all of the Sanzaar partners and they are in a training bubble,’ Clarke said. ‘Then we can quarantine effectively and play a competition.’

Clarke said the governing body was also looking to secure an expanded four-match Bledisloe Cup series against New Zealand.

‘It’s a great product, gains a lot of attention and we feel at least a four-game series is something we can work into the calendar this year to work for them and us,’ he added.

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