Billionaire Andrew Forrest is confident his Indo-Pacific Rugby Championship (IPRC) will go ahead even if Rugby Australia (RA) don't approve it.
The mining magnate and RA have been negotiating for several months with the biggest stumbling block being whether players who participate in the IPRC will also be eligible to play for Australia at Test level.
Forrest has revealed that he will go ahead with the IPRC whether the Australian game's governing body gives their blessing or not and the six-team tournament is set to start in 2019.
"We'll either get Rugby Australia's approval, or we won't," he told AAP.
"But either way we're going to roll, and we'll be playing internationally.
"This is a tournament that is waiting to happen, and will be fantastic for Australia.
"We've had something like 250 enquiries from elite players around the world.
"We've had endorsement from Rugby Asia. We know that World Rugby is completely on side.
"I think we get closer every day (with getting Rugby Australia's tick).
"I think if you have a legitimate love for the game and a legitimate interest in what's best for the players, you'll back the new tournament."
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