It would involve the Japanese Rugby Union, the Pacific unions of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, and Australia's four Super 14 provinces, reports RUGBYeNEWS.com
"While this group is not a decision-making body," said IRB rugby services manager Mark Egan, "there was agreement on all the fundamental issues that allows us to take the concept to the next level.
"There does however remain a range of issues to contend with before such a concept becomes a reality. There is IRB funding available for the development of high performance infrastructure and cross border competitions for Tier Two countries, such as Japan, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
"Importantly this group showed a good understanding of each other's circumstances and reached agreement on some key issues."
The main issues are finalising a June-July tournament window, a six to seven-week timeframe evolving to a longer tournament and a residential playing roster from each of the participants.
It also appears that all parties agree most games should be played in Australia.
