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BRET HARRIS THE AUSTRALIAN OCTOBER 14, 2013 12:00AM
THE five Australian Super Rugby teams' executives will hold an emergency meeting in Sydney today to discuss proposals they believe will threaten their financial viability.
The hastily arranged meeting will be attended by the chief executives of the five franchises - the ACT Brumbies, Melbourne Rebels, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds and Western Force.
It follows a teleconference last Thursday in which the CEOs received an update on the ARU's renegotiation of the collective bargaining agreement with the Players Association.
An informed source told The Australian the Super Rugby teams faced the possibility of rising costs and reduced revenue as a result of proposed changes, which they could not accept.
It is understood the ARU is proposing to reduce its funding to the Super Rugby teams and cut Test match payments.
At the same time there is also a proposal to increase player salaries at Super Rugby level.
The teams believe the financial impact of the proposed changes would be unpalatable and unsustainable.
As a result, the CEOs decided to meet as soon as possible to discuss their response.
At this point nothing has been agreed in relation to the CBA, so the Super Rugby teams still have time to argue their case. But there was a feeling the CEOs had to move urgently on the issue because some of the proposed changes relate to next year.
It is also likely the CEOs want to determine their response before the ARU's board meeting in Sydney next week.
Meanwhile, Wallabies winger Nick Cummins is expected to re-sign with the Force for another two years
- See more at: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spor....sv0037j9.dpuf