The deadlock means players are now not bound by the conditions of the previous CBA, opening a door for potential industrial action. The Wallabies are on tour and play England next weekend; the Australian sevens sides begin the World Series later this month, and Super Rugby men’s squads start pre-season training this week.

In a statement on Sunday, RUPA boss Adrian Turner appeared to rule out strike action by saying “the players remain focused on their playing commitments”, but with no CBA in place, he indicated the players are looking to block Rugby Australia from using the players, and their images, for commercial purposes.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t reached agreement, despite making every effort to find a reasonable compromise. We put forward revised proposals and positions this week in an effort to bridge the remaining differences, but RA has confirmed the Rugby Bodies aren’t prepared to improve their financial offer,” Turner said.

“The players have every interest in seeing the game grow financially, and we’ve approached these negotiations with that firmly in mind. Equally, we have a responsibility to our members, and there are some fundamental conditions we can’t compromise on. Any agreement needs to properly recognise the players’ contribution to the game and provide the conditions and protections they should expect as professional athletes.

“The ball is in RA’s court now, and we’ll wait to hear from them on whether there’s a way forward. In the meantime, we’ve formally notified RA of our intention to commence legal proceedings concerning the commercial use of player rights following the expiry of the CBA.

“The players remain focused on their playing commitments. It’s our job as their association to work through these issues with RA, and that’s what we’ll continue to do.”