The exact identities of the teams in Sydney or elsewhere are not critical to this exercise. The selections for this “on paper” allocation are nominal. While based on real players and likely teams, “what names go where” is not as significant as the overall numbers in each squad.

The effect of having no limit on the number of Super Rugby players per team would be relatively stronger teams in Melbourne and Perth, and relatively weaker teams in Sydney. Some players might still move to seek game time but not as many as with a cap imposed. For this exercise a cap is assumed – not least because the ARU reportedly intends to apply one.

Whether the cap is set at 15 or 18 makes a small but possibly important difference. Basically three extra players each from Melbourne or Perth would play in Sydney, or vice versa. While of keen interest to those NRC teams involved, the difference is easily seen by simply moving six players.

The question of whether the cap should include players not eligible for Australia has more impact, since the Rebels, Force and Brumbies have more foreign players in their squads than the Reds and Waratahs. It makes sense to include these foreign players in the NRC competition, but to exempt them from the cap so that they don’t have to relocate. This also assists the Rebels and the Force to be more competitive (even if not all exempted are available, most will be able to play).

So, for this exercise, Super Rugby players, including EPS, are limited to 15 per team, but excluding:

• Foreign players at Australian franchises – exempted from the player cap but still able to play in the NRC competition;
• Players on injury rehabilitation – they are excluded if a replacement player has been contracted, otherwise they are included in the player cap; and
• Test squad – not counted, usually won’t be available, but otherwise they are able to play.

Each Super Rugby franchise is required to send players to at least two NRC teams. The remaining places in each squad go to players from wider training groups and local clubs.

For the Brumbies, it is assumed that the NSW Country team will have their training base within the Canberra-Queanbeyan area. This would allow any Brumbies players released to the Country squad to remain in Canberra. The team could still play their home matches in country centres (and perhaps a double-header in Canberra) but the number of players relocated would be minimised. The Brumbies could also provide coaching staff to the team.