The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has lifted its moratorium on Super Rugby player contracts and promised to honour all deals, including for those who sign with a team that's subsequently axed.

It comes as ARU chairman Cameron Clyne on Monday could not rule out the possibility that all five Australian Super Rugby teams may remain next season, amid legal threats associated with plans to cut either the Melbourne Rebels or Western Force.

Announcement: ARU chairman Cameron Clyne. Credit:Brendon Thorne

As Rebels owner Andrew Cox and Rugby WA flex their muscles, Clyne admitted "every roadblock" possible had been erected to stop the governing body getting its way in the protracted saga.

And even with a date finally set for an ARU extraordinary general meeting next month, Clyne conceded to having no real idea of when it would all end.