The ARU is relaxing its rules to allow a "select few" top players to chase the endless season by committing to rich deals in Japan between international and Super Rugby seasons, without affecting their Wallabies eligibility.

Friend, who is the head coach at Japanese powerhouse Suntory Sungoliath, said Australian player managers were putting names forward for potential stints overseas.

The ARU's new stance on overseas contracts is set to open the door for several stars, including Israel Folau, Ben McCalman and Bernard Foley, to supplement their earnings between Super Rugby campaigns.

But Friend says the deals will work only if Wallabies don't abuse the lucrative contracts up for grabs, adding that loyalty takes precedence over talent in Japan.

"Playing in Japan is a different beast to anywhere else – culture, the rugby style, the language," said Friend, who is back in Australia for a week.

"For a sabbatical of a four-month stint and then going home [to Super Rugby] and maybe leaving it at that, I don't think there's very good value for the company in that.

"It's good value for the player, but not the company. You'd [Japan clubs] look at sabbaticals if it's four months one year and then they come back for a couple of seasons. There has to be some plus in it for the Japanese teams.

"If it's just a one-off, then you're forking out a lot of cash for not a lot of reward."

The ARU has been forced to tinker with its stringent eligibility rules to prevent a mass exodus of players after the World Cup this year.

Players can earn significantly more money in Japan and Europe, but the lure of playing for the Wallabies keeps them in the Super Rugby competition.

McCalman has inked a deal to play in Japan after the World Cup while a rich deal in Japan could be crucial in helping keep code-hopper Folau away from the clutches of the NRL.

Brumbies flanker Scott Fardy has a clause in his contract allowing him to explore opportunities in Japan later this year, but it's understood he will entertain the idea of a brief sabbatical only if the right deal arises.

Friend's roster already boasts international stars Fourie du Preez, Schalk Burger and Justin Downey (all South Africa) and Samoan playmaker Tusiata Pisi.

"You're always looking. Sometimes there is a benefit for the company to get a player that can make a real difference, but we're [Suntory] looking for longer-term commitment," Friend said.

"You've got to have the right player, that's the most important thing in Japan – having the right bloke.

"The other thing you have to ask ... what's the limit on how many games a player can play? Guys will want want to play 12 months of the year chasing the dollar.

"But have bodies got stronger or has the game got softer? No, it hasn't. Something's going to give and that's the nervous part of being the Japanese team forking out the money.

"Players won't stand down from Wallabies or Super Rugby. The logic says if they stand down from something it will be from Japanese duties. You don't want to pay good money for players who aren't around."

A Japanese team will enter Super Rugby for the first time next year. Friend said details were still being finalised, but that he was comfortable in his coaching role at Suntory.

"I'm happy where I am at the moment. It's definitely going to change rugby in Japan," he said.