Could the Western Force return to face Australian Super Rugby clubs?

In the wake of the Australian Government's announcement to close its borders indefinitely, an opportunity has emerged for the Western Force to rise from the ashes to take on Australia's Super Rugby clubs in a makeshift domestic competition.

Super Rugby was suspended indefinitely late last week as the impact of coronavirus continues to make itself felt worldwide.

In its absence, both New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia have spoken publicly of formulating makeshift domestic competitions featuring their respective Super Rugby franchises.

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NZR chief executive Mark Robinson has outlined a proposal which could see all five Kiwi sides face off against one another over a 10-12 week period.

That plan comes with its challenges, though, especially with the Chiefs, Crusaders and Highlanders all currently in self-isolation after returning to the country from overseas, while the prospect of playing in empty stadiums can't be overly appealing.

RA is looking at a similar concept, although such a competition within the Australian conference presents its own issues through the presence of the Sunwolves.

The Japanese club's time in Super Rugby was scheduled to come to an end at the end of this season, but it may well be all but over already as Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will shut the nation off from overseas visitors at 9pm AEST on Friday night.

The move echoes that of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, which eliminates the prospect of a conference-based round-robin and Super Rugby finals series that RA chief executive Raelene Castle said SANZAAR unions were still hopeful of earlier this week.

“Yeah that’s one of the scenarios that we’re working at [a domestic conference competition] because of the fact that the travel restrictions mean the cross-border system doesn’t seem realistic, so domestic obviously leads the conversation,” Castle told media in Sydney on Tuesday.