Fox Sports has made an unprecedented offer to show every Shute Shield match live – starting this season – but Rugby Australia’s desire to bundle together club rugby, Super Rugby and Test matches into one package to sell to broadcasters has created a stalemate.

The Herald has obtained a letter, sent to NSW Rugby and Waratahs general manager Jason Moore last month and which was also forwarded to the Sydney Rugby Union board and Shute Shield club presidents, that outlines a proposal to broadcast the entire competition in 2020 and beyond.

Sydney University's Guy Porter celebrates after winning back-to-back Shute Shield titles. Credit:Brook Mitchell

The Seven Network currently broadcasts one live Shute Shield match per week, on 7TWO. The deal they have is in conjunction with Club Rugby TV, which is owned by Nick Fordham and John Murray, and runs until the end of 2024.

The terms of the deal state the SRU must pay $250,000 to the Seven Network for broadcasting and advertising as well as $50,000 to Club Rugby TV for production costs. It is a heavy financial burden just to get its product on television, but Fox Sports have come to the party with an offer many in clubland believe is too good to be true.