It is understood that World Rugby want to hold a summit similar to the one staged in San Francisco in January 2017, that led to the last global season agreement, during the Rugby World Cup in France in September and October with the expectation of unveiling the new ‘Nations Cup’ during the tournament.

“The format is agreed, the last detail to get over the line is the revenue share and the complexities over the fourth weekend in the autumn,” said another source.

“The French Top 14 league is taking the hardest line on this, but if we can get agreement on Reg 9, it will be the breakthrough moment.”

To secure buy-in from the clubs, particularly in France (the England clubs already have an agreement with the Rugby Football Union to play four Tests each autumn), it is likely that changes to Reg 9 will also include financial compensation to recognise their financial risk and investment in developing the players.

“I will be going into that room saying ‘let’s crack on with this’” said one source. “Let’s constructively sort out how the player release mechanism will work.”

Players’ concern over Six Nations fatigue

One sticking point, however, could be if the clubs push for the Six Nations to be reduced from seven to six weeks to accommodate the extra weekend for Test rugby in November although it is not thought to be currently on the table for discussion.

It is understood some players have expressed concern about the physical demands of playing the championship with just one weekend off, while there is also opposition within some unions.

Warren Gatland, the Wales head coach, told Telegraph Sport that it would be difficult for the Celtic Nations and Italy to cope, given their smaller playing bases and could affect the quality of rugby on show for supporters.  

“It might be okay for France and England, but I am not sure if the rest of us will be able to cope with the attritional demands of reducing the Six Nations from seven to six weeks,” Gatland said.

“And if they shave a week off now, the next target will be to reduce it to five weeks. Player welfare has to come into it. It was tough enough for us this season to finish with two games in a row. Fans also want to see teams playing at full strength, not impacted by injuries.”