ARU considering introduction of Super Rugby transfer window

AUSTRALIAN rugby could have a transfer window in the future with the ARU was investigating ways to avoid a repeat of Will Genia's ugly contract drama.

Will Genia

AUSTRALIAN rugby could have a transfer window in the future with John O'Neill admitting the ARU was investigating ways to avoid a repeat of Will Genia's ugly contract drama last month.

With the fallout of Genia's "deal or no deal" with the Western Force still reverberating, ARU boss O'Neill said the current set-up which sees players and provinces negotiating and signing with rivals in the middle of the season was "far from ideal".

Players believe the system creates huge distractions and in Genia's case - where he backflipped on a deal with the Force to stay in Queensland - the ruckus has caused a major rift between the two provinces.

After agonising over a decision to switch to the Rebels last week, Reds back-rower Scott Higginbotham last week called for a transfer window to be considered.

Stopping short of endorsing set windows like the Premier League, O'Neill said regulation was being looked into.

"I haven't had a good chat to (ARU HPU boss) Dave Nucifora but I'd like to think we could find a better and more defined way of handling the window, such that you avoid these sometimes not-very-edifying situations," O'Neill said.

"It tends to happen in other codes as well but I can only say at this point we are looking at different models, and can hopefully come up with something - with RUPA's agreement - that narrows down the destructive element of it."

A transfer window in rugby could prove problematic, however. The AFL trade window operates effectively because it is a closed market, but rugby has year-round international interest and competitions to factor in.

It would also prove difficult to enforce, with player managers and clubs highly unlikely to observe set windows to discuss movement of players.

RUPA boss Greg Harris said the players union would be happy to discuss a transfer window, but in the context of wider negotiations over new contracting protocols.

Talks have stalled over the 2013 salary cap, with the ARU wanting to encourage financial prudence and reduce their liabilities with a $4.1 million cap. RUPA and clubs are looking for closer to $4.8 million.

"RUPA would look fairly favourably on (a transfer window) but we'd be keen to look at it in a fairly holistic manner," Harris said.

"It's one part of contracting that need to be looked at it, but it's just one of a number of issues. For us, the salary caps are the big issue and we're hopeful of being able to negotiate a settlement with the ARU that suits both parties."

O'Neill said he hoped an agreement could be reached "in a few weeks".

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