It is hoped a new competition structure with teams from Australia and New Zealand will be finalised in the coming months to give franchises and fans certainty about next year and beyond.

Sources have told The Canberra Times New Zealand teams want to link with their Australian rivals and breakaway from the traditional Super Rugby format, which also included teams form South Africa, Argentina and Japan.

But it will need approval from New Zealand Rugby's top bosses to go ahead, while RA is still trying to negotiate plans with broadcasters to fund the game.

There had been talk behind the scenes about New Zealand pushing for fewer Australian teams, and the potential permanent reintroduction of the Western Force to help RA save money. It revived speculation about the Brumbies merging with the Melbourne Rebels, but RA leaders moved to ease concerns.

It can be revealed Brumbies bosses contacted RA officials earlier this week to determine if there was any substance to rumours. They were told the potential of joining the two teams had not been discussed and was not part of the trans-Tasman planning.

Sources also say New Zealand teams have indicated the Brumbies are the most respected brand across the ditch, which will give the Canberra team crucial support if merger discussions to become a reality.

Some of the fears in ACT rugby stem from the lack of representation on the new RA board after inaugural Brumbies skipper Brett Robinson left his post earlier this year.

It is hoped Wallabies great and Brumbies champion Joe Roff will be appointed to a board position in the coming months, but the upheaval has created uncertainty.

Brumbies boss Phil Thomson told The Canberra Times this week: "There have been no discussions or indications that [a merger] is remotely a chance. And we don't believe there's any chance of this happening now or in the future."

Asked about the best competition structure for the future and speculation about the Brumbies merging with the Rebels, Brumbies assistant Laurie Fisher said: "I wasn't aware it was being raised again. I think we've shown since 1996 the capacity to be very successful standalone rugby team and rugby area. I don't see that changing."

Australian franchise chief executives are eagerly awaiting plans for beyond this year, with the unknown changes making it difficult to secure sponsors for the coming seasons.

The Brumbies are working with Plus500 to extend their naming-rights deal and talks have been encouraging, but finalising the partnership hinges on having a format locked in for 2021.

"I believe that at Super Rugby level, because of COVID-19, we have the opportunity for the first time relook at competition structures and teams within those structures," interim RA boss Rob Clarke said on the Plamakers' Playbook podcast.

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"We're obviously doing something locally this year, but what next year could look like, I think could be exciting as well. There are various models that play into that.

"Nothing has been set yet, however, I think the opportunity to do something exciting is there and that may address some of the historical issues that have bugged Super Rugby over recent years. That's an upside ... Time is of the essence for us.

"There are two or three models we're analysing at the moment that we believe could deliver on those outcomes. We need to work with our SANZAAR partners on that, work internally with our own stakeholders and Super Rugby clubs ... they're a vitally important part of the mix.

"We need to work with RUPA and the players to make sure whatever competition structure is created for next year addresses some of the fundamental challenges the players have had out of the previous competition.

"Then we need to pitch this to potential broadcasters and excitement about what rugby can deliver for them."

SUPER RUGBY AU ROUND ONE

July 4: ACT Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.