John Plumtree

Rugby Australia boss Andy Marinos and his New Zealand counterpart Mark Robinson are set to break bread during a Commonwealth Games road trip next week.

He will also fill an analysis role and advise on overall strategy. It’s important we do what’s best for Australian rugby but also make sure it’s on a balanced and even footing.” Out of that, NZR give Australia an extra $5 million, under terms agreed when Australia’s financial survival was in question. “It’s important there is that respect for each other and, with that, a framework of principles driving the discussion. Their meetings - and that car trip back to London after competition - will go a long way to determining the spirit in which negotiations continue, with RA intent on having the foundations of the new deal sorted by the end of August. But in a sign of the intent between the unions to find a way through the drama, Robinson is set to accept Marinos’ offer of a lift back to the big smoke.