Wallabies and Polynesian greats have backed calls for Super Rugby to move to a trans-Tasman format - plus a team from the Pacific Islands - as the competition stares down major changes from next year.
On Tuesday, Newshub revealed that format was one of the key recommendations in the draft 'Aratipu' review, with the Pacific now set to finally get its chance, after years of being shut out.
For years, the Pacific Islands have tried and failed to break into Super Rugby, but with the competition now facing a very different future, the proposed format could bring an end to that absence.
"With everything the Pacific Island players have done for the game, I think it's about time," says Pacific rugby advocate Junior Poluleuligaga. "We deserve the opportunity to enter a Super Rugby team."
The former Manu Samoa halfback hasn't easily forgotten how the Islands have been ignored in the past.
"They're starting to realise, 'OK, if we want to make a new competition exciting, then we're actually going to need the Pacific Islanders, when we should've been including them right from the start'."
Wallabies great Tim Horan also backs the proposed format.
"I think for New Zealand rugby to thrive, you need Australian rugby to be strong," he says.
But Horan has a warning for the respective unions - time is not on their side.
"We have to work out what Super Rugby looks like in 2021 and 2022, so that, especially in Australia, we can have a broadcast partner that gives players some confidence and sustainability."
The new format would essentially end SANZAAR's ongoing governance of the competition. Newshub has reached out to SANZAAR for an interview, but all we've received is a text message.
"Apologies, as have been out of circulation," says chief executive Andy Marinos. "There is no comment on that."
Horan claims SANZAAR still has a role to play on the test match landscape through the Rugby Championship, but the Pacific has waited long enough for a shot at Super Rugby.
"There are those opportunities that can really help the Pacific Island nations," says Poluleuligaga.
And they're determined not to waste them.
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