The ACT Brumbies board is considering its options as it desperately attempts to find a way to end a standoff with chief executive Michael Jones and avoid going back to court.
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The board offered Jones a payout on Friday, but the deal was rejected with the impasse set to continue at least into next week.
Brumbies chairman Robert Kennedy and the board's lawyers waited until the deadline of midday on Saturday for an official response from Jones.
But Jones is standing his ground after the ACT Supreme Court maintained an injunction against his dismissal, with Justice Richard Refshauge deeming public interest disclosures were the "dominant factor" in the board's decision to stand down Jones on March 21.
The background drama is a sideshow to the Brumbies' massive clash against the Canterbury Crusaders at Canberra Stadium on Sunday, with officials hoping for a crowd of close to 20,000.
The infighting could land back in court this week if the parties fail to find common ground and a resolution to the dispute.
The board convened a meeting of Brumbies voting members last week to explain their reasons for standing Jones down last month.
The meeting was organised for the same time that an extraordinary general meeting was supposed to be held to vote on the Brumbies board and its potential dismissal.
There were 17 of the 23 voting members at the meeting with the board and Kennedy had hoped to reach an "amicable" agreement with Jones.
However, both parties are standing their ground and there appears no quick resolution to the Brumbies' problems.
The ARU is keeping a close eye on dealings at the club to make sure Australia's best-performing Super Rugby franchise does not combust.
There have been suggestions that the ARU will move to take back the Brumbies' licence, but those rumours have been rejected.
There was also speculation the ARU was looking to move some Brumbies home games to western Sydney as the NSW government searches for content at its new stadium developments.
SUPER RUGBY ROUND NINE
Sunday: ACT Brumbies v Canterbury Crusaders at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 2. Tickets available from Ticketek.
* The Brumbies will auction their Anzac jerseys after the match with proceeds going to Legacy. Defence personnel will get free entry to Canberra Stadium and fans will be allowed on the field after the match to meet players.
Brumbies: 15. Aidan Toua, 14. Robbie Coleman, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Matt Toomua, 11.Joseph Tomane, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 9. Tomas Cubelli, 8. Jordan Smiler, 7. Jarrad Butler, 6. Scott Fardy, 5. Sam Carter, 4. Rory Arnold, 3. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Scott Sio. Reserves: 16 Josh Mann-Rea, 17. Allan Alaalatoa, 18. Leslie Leulua'iali'i-Makin, 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Michael Wells, 21. Michael Dowsett, 22. James Dargaville, 23. Nigel Ah Wong.
Crusaders: 15. Israel Dagg, 14. Jone Macilai, 13. Kieron Fonotia, 12. David Havili, 11. Nemani Nadolo, 10. Richie Mo'unga, 9. Andy Ellis, 8. Kieran Read, 7. Matt Todd, 6. Jordan Taufua, 5. Scott Barrett, 4. Luke Romano, 3. Owen Franks, 2. Codie Taylor, 1. Joe Moody. Reserves: 16. Ged Robinson, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Mike Alaalatoa, 19. Sam Whitelock, 20. Tim Boys, 21. Mitchell Drummond, 22. Sean Wainui, 23. Marty McKenzie.
