So if "centralisation" - sorry, "alignment" ("don't put words in my mouth mate...") is the answer, and Ireland is the model...
Well, Ireland didn't make the quarters (yep, valiant performance, top team etc, but all anyone remembers in 2027 is that they've never made a semi...).
Out of the four teams now in the quarters:
NZ - Super Rugby focus, pretty much the same as Australia in terms of current national "alignment" (better players, sure, and a third tier in NPC - which has its own financial issues, but more game time). Also the coach was told he would be replaced after the World Cup...So Dave Rennie without the actual sacking.
South Africa - Most players (anyone have a percentage?) playing in the Northern Hemisphere comp (more game time, but essentially a blend of no Giteau law and Super Rugby)
Argentina. Again, a lot of players from the European comp. More importantly, coaching stability through the guy we sacked before we sacked Dave Rennie.
England. Sacked Eddie Jones and have now made the semis.
A few lessons there for us. (1) Super Rugby works in terms of preparing players (NZ and Fiji). (2) more game time is essential. (3) coaching stability is a pretty good thing to have, and (4) maybe don't let Eddie Jones anywhere near your team.
Tell me again why we need centralisation. Sorry, putting words in Eddie's mouth again. Why do we need "alignment"?
Tell me why the Super Rugby franchises should be told what to do by a national organisation that on the field has failed every. single. KPI.
And off the field has bled the Brumbies, NSW and Rebels dry so they can mount a clumsy hostile takeover?
What's the upside here for the State Unions (who, don't forget, are constitutionally and therefore legally obliged to act in the best interests of their State UNION, not the national game)...