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Protectionism still won't work as these players aren't contracted to these clubs. At most we will be looking at five players from these clubs to supplement the WSR side and they will be back to them by the middle of May. Mountain out of a molehill.
Being ostracised won't fly with the IRB as it is approved by them Asia Rugby, Oceania Rugby and the constituent unions bar the RA. The IRB don't see it as a rebel comp so they are happy to deal with Twiggy. These unions and their confederations also hold cards in RWC votes which they will need to host the tournament as I can't see England, Ireland and France voting for them and NZ don't trust them. Ireland and France might be enough as Scotland and Wales not voting for Ireland was the difference which saw Ireland eliminated in the first round. If SA submit a bid again they can't vote.
The RA had the Irish president in the ivory tower swooning him than went to vote for the SA bid recommendation which was horse manure and the French proved that it is about votes at the end of the day. The IRFU and Irish in general have long memories and there is now animosity between them Scotland and Wales.
As for moves afoot in the east that is happening you only have to read between the lines in Michael Thomson's parting statement.