A major rift has emerged in the long-term partnership between the ACT Brumbies and University of Canberra.

Animosity that has built between senior members of the organisations in recent months is now threatening to spill into legal action.

Happier times: the University of Canberra and ACT government have distanced themselves from a report into Brumbies' transactions. Credit:Rohan Thomson

It is understood University of Canberra vice chancellor Stephen Parker sent a letter to Brumbies chief executive Michael Jones on Monday about potential defamation proceedings over an unknown incident or incidents. Parker did not want to comment and Jones declined to comment.

It is believed tensions between the university and the club have stemmed from the ongoing ACT Policing investigation into the controversial sale of the Brumbies' Griffith headquarters and subsequent move to Bruce.