Stop the in-fighting, he says. A domestic competition? Why not give it a go, he adds. As for the television rights fight, he's keen for rugby to trial its own Netflix or NBA TV-style arrangement.

All strong points made by a man who has seen it all and willing to put out ideas to help rugby rather than contributing to the downward spiral that seems never ending.

"There's also been a lot of press about the potential sacking of Raelene Castle, with former Wallaby and Waratah Phil Kearns the favoured replacement," Alexander wrote in an online letter.

"Maybe Kearns is the Donald Trump type character the game needs to unite the masses and "Make Rugby Great Again". Or will he only further divide the Australian Rugby public?

"But now is not the time for an election, as Raelene Castle and the RA Board have urgent work to do, and shouldn't have to deal with this distraction."

His voice wasn't the only one crying out for some vision for the future rather than playing a blame game. Several fans and players, both past and present, have reached out to The Canberra Times in the past week to express their frustration and desire to see change.

Alexander was also buoyed by the same reaction after posting his article on Monday night. His hope is that rugby finds some good in the toughest of times.

The Brumbies' games record holder and 72-Test Wallaby's thoughtful piece is the kind of thinking rugby needs right now. An avenue to move forward rather than constantly examining the train wreck of the past decade.

A new competition is a must. Rugby's own streaming service is ideal, but the costs and logistics would be too much for an organisation already on its knees.

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But rugby can start making moves to get there if people are willing to push aside personal agendas and self interest aside to do what's best for the game.

Does that mean going into voluntary administration? It seems like a crazy idea and the reputational damage it would cause to the game in Australia could be crippling. But maybe it's the right decision to severe existing ties and being able to start afresh.

It could be the avenue for exiting SANZAAR and the existing Super Rugby model, because why should Australia stay trapped in a competition struggling to create interest with administrators who appear unfazed?

Australian rugby is in a unique position right now. The game and the brand has been pilloried for too long, so a fresh start is just what it needs. Exiting SANZAAR is Australia's way to get ahead of the curve rather than trying to play catch up.

Some say New Zealand don't want a trans-Tasman competition. Fine. But would Super Rugby really survive with teams from New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina? Unlikely.

If the cord is cut now it gives Australia the best chance to have a long lead into what comes next. Now is the time for bold leadership and bold decisions.

The next step in all of this is the players. They are edging closer to deal to cut wages to help rugby survive. The models have already been done, it's just about working what is best and if the players will even have something to come back to next year.

Because while the decision for NRL and AFL players was to take a cut in the short term knowing their games are strong enough to survive coronavirus.

Rugby players are willing to take the same hit, but the difference is they don't know if their sport will survive beyond the next three months.

Australian Super Rugby and the National Rugby Championship could even merge in some way towards the end of this year. Why not have the Brumbies, Rebels, Waratahs, Reds and Western Force playing off against two or three NRC all-star teams?

Yes, plenty of logistics to be worked out and makeshift rugby competitions won't be the saviour for Rugby Australia or chief executive Raelene Castle.

That's why Alexander's words ring so true in the ears of rugby hopefuls, even though some would say you couldn't possibly trust an ex-front-rower who now says he loves running.

As frustrated as Alexander is, he knows it's easy to see clearly when you're the one not making the decisions that will affect so many people. But he speaks with passion about giving leaders the backing they need to mend broken bridges.

"I truly believe there is nothing better than watching a free-flowing (plus scrums), intense, high stakes game of rugby union, with other die-hard rugby fans," Alexander said.

"...The great divide between the amateur and professional games is one that needs the same attention, if not more, as we figure out how to bring everyone back on the same page."