The ACT Brumbies are set to explore playing options in Asia before considering a chance to play against the reformed Western Force, which could pave the way for a potential development partnership.
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Four former Brumbies were unveiled in the Force's 26-man squad on Tuesday as mining billionaire Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest attempts to save rugby in Western Australia.
Forrest launched a rebranded 'World Series Rugby' this week with the Force as the competition's flagship team, recruiting Tuggeranong Vikings coach Tim Sampson to lead the side.
The Brumbies were invited to be a part of an eight-game series from June-August, but it's understood the Canberra club is instead looking at opportunities in Japan, China or Singapore for a mid-year match.
However, the Brumbies are keen to work with Forrest and are open to making the trip to Perth at the end of the Super Rugby season, which could trigger the start of a player pathway system.
The Force is yet to finalise an opponent for its match on August 17. The Brumbies could fit that hole given it falls two weeks after the Super Rugby season ends.
Forrest has lured former Springbok Jaque Fourie and former Canberra Raiders recruit Masivesi Dakuwaqa to the competition, but there is no clear pathway for Perth juniors to earn Super Rugby caps.
The Brumbies recruited five Force players this season - Richie Arnold, Chance Peni, Isi Naisarani, Mees Erasmus and James Verity-Amm - to bolster their squad.
"We see [playing in Perth] as a great opportunity to continue to grow rugby across Australia," said Brumbies boss Michael Thomson.
"We also think it's a great opportunity for us to potentially work a bit more closely with the guys over in Perth.
"While they don't have a Super Rugby team, there are a lot of good quality players coming out of there and there maybe some opportunity to provide a pathway.
"With Tim [Sampson] over there as well, I think that makes sense."
Ian Prior, Chris Alcock, Leon Power and Rodney Iona will be a part of the Force's second-coming as a club, with the team also likely to play in the National Rugby Championship.
Fourie, a 72-Test Springbok, is coming out of retirement, while former Fiji sevens player Dakuwaqa will also play for the Force after spending last season as a Raiders development player.
Forrest was expected to announce further details of the Force's match schedule on Tuesday. Fairfax Media reported last month that games against the Crusaders and Rebels as well as Pacific Island teams like Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
The Brumbies, meanwhile, are locked in talks to play an exhibition game in Asia in the Super Rugby break in June.
The club has been keen to create a footprint in the Asian market, linking with the ACT government to play games in Singapore in previous years.
The Brumbies based themselves at the home Japan Top League giant Suntory before their clash against the Sunwolves two weeks ago.
The Brumbies have strong ties which stretch back to when Eddie Jones was the Suntory coach.
WORLD SERIES RUGBY
May 4: Force v Fiji
May 13: Force v Tonga
June 9: Force v Melbourne Rebels
June 22: Force v Canterbury Crusaders
July 14: Force v Samoa
August 10: Force v Hong Kong
August 17: Force v TBC
Force squad: Aj Alatimu, Chris Alcock, Marcel Brache, Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Rod Davies, Andrew Deegan, Tevin Ferris, Jaque Fourie, Josh Furno, Peter Grant, Chris Heiberg, Rodney Iona, Feleti Kaitu'u, Brad Lacey, Kieran Longbottom, Ryan Louwrens, Cameron Orr, Harrison Orr, Leon Power, Ian Prior, Harry Scoble, Tom Sheminant, Brynard Stander, Elliot Turner, Clay Uyen, Fergus Lee Warner.
