Ross Xenos, chief executive of the Rugby Union Players' Association, cannot believe the position the ARU has got itself into. "All of that momentum [of the past few years] has been lost because of off-field dramas that have sucked the life out of the professional game for almost a year," he said. "As the ARU doesn't appear to have arrowed its sights to only one of the teams, it appears their decision will be based on legal ability rather than any objective assessment of future potential. "There is a very real possibility that Australia will continue with five teams. For the 100-odd days that have passed since the ARU made its announcement, there is no clarity on how any prospective savings will be allocated and how this culling will help the whole of the game." The Rebels are not completely out of the equation but next week's arbitration between the ARU and Rugby WA could either secure their future, or ruin it. There has been no official confirmation that owner Andrew Cox has sold the Rebels license to the Victorian Rugby Union.

The ARU would have to sign off on the deal but if things go their way next week at arbitration, the Rebels go on the backburner as the complicated task of shutting down the Force begins. "You'd have to be a brave man or woman to put any money on where next week's arbitration ends up," Xenos said. "The likes of the legal and financial backers that Rugby WA have been able to mobilise in support of their cause certainly gives a very strong indication that they are confident about their position." Although the Force's future might hinge on an agreement they believe entitles them to a spot in Super Rugby until 2020, ARU boss Bill Pulver remains confident a team will be cut next season. The question remains: Will Australian rugby ever recover from a year that has been plagued by off-field problems and boardroom dilemmas? While the answer might not be crystal clear just yet, the beginning of the end for one team is getting closer. "The only certainty is that this arbitration takes us all one step closer to putting an end to the last 11 months of vexatious debate and legalities," Xenos said. "We'd all much prefer to be investing our energies into how we can grow the game, not how we hack it back."

RUPA and its members still hold onto hope that Australia will have five teams next year. On August 7, Pulver will front a SANZAAR meeting and provide an update on which franchise the ARU is going to cut. If he is unable to do so, the complications will compound, with potential legal action looming from SANZAAR given the Cheetahs and Southern Kings have already confirmed their exit from next season's competition. Xenos still argues the ARU's decision is short-sighted, pointing to the health of Australian rugby in recent years. "It's disappointing that the ARU continues to talk down the future of Australian rugby," Xenos said.