The money in SANZAAR is in the SA broadcast market, and always has been. If ANZ go cross-Tasman, it opens the door for SA to embed even further in Europe, with the successful integration of the Pro14 as a model. Great for the Pro14, less financially great for ANZ. https://twitter.com/sportslawMELB/status/1254666590639067137

The other consequences of this would be that Argentina would be entirely cut loose, with nowhere to go; and that even SA's accession to NH rugby would be at the behest not of WR, but of the 6N unions, who, if SA did join them, would have a complete lock on Tier 1 rugby.

Now, I'm far from objecting to that. But given just how desperate Australian rugby is for money, I can't help but think they've really not thought this one through.

Not, one must add, that that would be anything new in rugby administration in Australia.

As for Argentina... God knows how the Jaguares would continue. The Pumas would be in free fall. And, as previously noted, directors of 6N unions facing their own financial pressures are not going to be bounced into riding to Argentina's rescue just to save Pichot's blushes.

Add in the mayhem building in the English Premiership, and we are in the remarkable situation that the NH Pro14 teams, which have a direct relationship with the Unions who access the 6N funding pot, and who are used to a lean diet, actually look more stable.

Quare oul' world.