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Mining magnate Andrew Forrest has launched the new Indo Pacific Rugby Championship to kick off next year.
Forrest is in negotiations with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) to ensure players who compete in his competition will also be eligible to play Super Rugby and represent the Wallabies.
Andrew Forrest with Force skipper Matt Hodsgon as he announced his plans. Photo: Stuart Walmsley/RUGBY.com.au
"In that adversarial form, we did have to go a little toe to toe.
"But now with the Western Force becoming an international team ... there should be nothing but collaboration on behalf of Australian rugby."
The ARU confirmed it was in discussions with Forrest and his Minderoo team.
"ARU is involved in collaborative discussions with Andrew Forrest and his Minderoo team and we look forward to continuing these discussions over the coming weeks," Clyne said on Wednesday in a statement.
"We do not wish to comment on the specifics of any proposed new competitions while these discussions are at a preliminary stage.
"ARU remains committed to maintaining a strong rugby presence in Western Australia and will explore all options in this regard."