Six Nations unions could reap around $200 million each if organisers agree to sell a stake to a private equity firm already involved in the English rugby premiership
The BBC Rugby website reported on Tuesday (Wednesday NZT) Six Nations organisers are considering an offer from CVC, who own 27 per cent of England's Premiership Rugby company after a deal struck last December.
According to the BBC report, the CVC want a 30 per cent share, which could mean a windfall of more than £100 million to each union, but "would mean partly surrendering control of the competition".
The revelation comes the same week as a World Rugby meeting in Dublin to discussed the proposed World Rugby League competition.
World Rugby will make an announcement on Thursday (Friday NZT).
The BBC's rugby correspondent Chris Jones wrote that the private equity offer to the Six Nations – if accepted – "would almost certainly kill the chances of the revolutionary Nations Championship getting off the ground".
Jones said: "Sources at the unions have not denied an offer is on the table but insist a deal is not imminent".
Meanwhile, Wales stands to earn NZ$10.4 million if they beat Ireland on Saturday (Sunday NZT) and achieve a Six Nations grand slam.
The Wales Online website reported that the Six Nation champions get £4.5 million (NZ$8.5 million) and another £1 million (NZ$1.9 million) for achieving a grand slam.
Wales players earn £5300 (NZ$10,100) per match, plus an image-rights payment of £1500 (NZ$2858) per player per campaign, Wales Online said. Once bonuses are added, Wales players can reap up to £15,000 (NZ$28,500) a test during a successful season.