Sport: Pacific Super Rugby team would solve eligibility tug-of-war - players union.

Removing the restrictions on Pacific-eligible players in Super Rugby is one way to help grow the international game, according to a leading players union.

Currently, New Zealand Super Rugby teams have up to three spots available for players not eligible to play for the All Blacks, with one of those specifically designated for Pacific Island players.

Rugby Australia said it considered foreign players in Super Rugby on a case by case basis.

Pacific Rugby Players CEO Aayden Clarke said unless already capped by another nation, New Zealand Super Rugby contracts included a clause that players must be available for national honours.

"Obviously New Zealand and Australia first and foremost want to protect their own backyard and have as many players on the field that are eligible for their national teams, which you can understand," he said.

"But from our point of view, recognising the contribution of Pacific Island players is also very important. At the moment, within the current rules, there's only a certain amount of spots that are available for guys who aren't eligible for these national teams.

"And that does come into the decision making of players whether they're going to make themselves available for international rugby or not or maybe wait until they're playing abroad."

Dual eligibility has been a hot topic in recent weeks with New Zealand Rugby reluctantly agreeing to release Wasps-bound Hurricanes captain Brad Shields to play for England against South Africa but blocking a request from Rugby Australia to pick Melbourne-born Crusaders loose forward Pete Samu for the Wallabies.

Chiefs winger Toni Pulu and Blues utility forward Jimmy Tupou also expressed a desire to play for Tonga in June's Pacific Nations Cup but 'Ikale Tahi coach Toutai Kefu said their situation was complicated because their current Super Rugby deals expired in a couple of months.

Aayden Clarke said having a dedicated Pacific Islands team in Super Rugby would help players agonising between their heritage and livlihoods and leave them free to earn a living and represent the country of their choice.