The Sunwolves may not be dead just yet as Australian rugby administrators consider an initial domestic six-team competition in place of Super Rugby that could result in players going into a last-resort ‘bubble’ if absolutely necessary.

As other football codes get on the front foot with plans to restart respective competitions, rugby’s predicament is far more complex given the amount of international travel and convoluted beast that is Super Rugby, which was paused seven rounds into the season.

Rugby Australia’s general manager of professional services, Ben Whitaker, is a leading figure on a committee – a 'Think Tank" if you will – that features Australian Super Rugby club chief executives, other RA officials and the Rugby Union Players Association.

The group catch up via a phone hook-up twice a week and have been doing so for the last three weeks. They analyse a number of drafted models that fluctuate from kick-offs as early as May and as late as November, while also taking into account what the international season could entail.