That’s a lot of money.

Ahead of crucial talks in Dublin later this week – World Rugby’s ‘Nations League’ concept could be dead in the water already with Six Nations officials considering a whopping £500m investment.

Private equity firm CVC, who recently acquired a 27% stake in Premiership Rugby worth more than £200 million, now want a stake in rugby’s oldest championship according to the BBC.

It’s believed the massive investment could provide a windfall of more than £100m to each of the six unions – but would mean partly surrendering control of the competition in its current state.

In the midst of World Rugby’s plans to pool resources across the world together, the Six Nations unions – England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and France – have apparently been in talks themselves for the past 18 months over pooling their commercial interests, a strategy dubbed ‘Project Light’.

The offer from CVC is said to be for a stake of around 30% in the Six Nations and would likely bring a swift end to World Rugby’s Nations League plans if it manages to go through.