I don't really follow i must admit. I can see how Super Rugby would not necessarily be an ARU product. I can see how the ARU might be forced to give up its rights to a third party in international away games. But surely, at the very least, they'd have control over home internationals? They pay for a provide the team and stadium, how could they not?
Rugby Championship is the only thing that's a little bit blurry IMO.
The "assumption" I've been making is that the Rugby Championship rights were done the same way as Super Rugby, that is to say, each Union negotiates with its domestic Broadcaster, subject to SANZAAR approval and international rights sold as a group, with all funds split.
In that case, unless the ARU could come close to matching Pay TV funds, that wouldn't be looked upon very nicely.
Whereas if it's selling the three home games they get the money for, it's feasible, but that's a massive financial hit. For starters, you're looking at missing out on the actual money. Then the advertising and marketing deals. And then there's the production costs being shifted to the ARU. Can you guarantee the streaming money covering that?
And is the platform worth it if it doesn't have all the Tests? I'm not paying a lot for 6 or 7 tests, even if it came with NRC streaming. You'd be looking at being the highest bidder for at least 8 away games, 9 if NZ host the 3rd Bledisloe. While you could justify not broadcasting other games in the June or November, but you probably need the Rugby Championship to round it out, and that's another 6 games where you're paying top dollar.
I don't see that as realistic right now.
I'd say maybe 2020 with NZ trying to hold out for more away tour cash.
But the English and French seem just as happy to threaten Six Nations Part 2, Electric Boogaloo, and everybody else seems happy to wait for what works best for them financially. So maybe not.