I'd rather hear ZERO than have a journalist just make-up stuff on the basis of rumours.
Go back and read Nick's articles and see how often he's been right/wrong.
See the thing is, is it rumours what what he had been told or fed by contacts in the know.
Now the problem is that at the time potentially it was a done deal in the eyes of the people telling him the information but you have to remember we are dealing with people who have never honoured their words, contracts or anything that the average ethical person relies on.
Potentially that's why a clear plan hasn't been put in place yet as HOPEFULLY Minderoo has learnt that the ARU/RA will sabotage it instantly like they seemingly have done throughout this process.
I am just hoping that maybe these 'rumours' as you say even if they don't come true are intentional leaks to distract the ARU/RA hatchet men while the real work is being done.
So I go to World Rugby's site to try and find the exact date the Council sits (so I know when the big announcement will be), and on the page of all the Council members, there's no pic of de Clyne!
He's either keeping a low profile or even World Rugby don't want to be tainted by his image...
https://www.world.rugby/organisation/structure/council
14 November, Transiting.