Tom Coventry believes they'll need at least a month-long "mini pre-season" if or when Super Rugby returns.
The sport's national governing body also confirmed a $250,000 support grant for all five NZ Super Rugby franchises.
Rob Nichol believes the impact of COVID-19 on the national game will be felt for years.
The grassroots unions have no doubt they'll bounce back from their lost 2020.
The two marquee sporting events will run side-by-side.
But sacrifice at the elite level could help cushion the blow.
The grassroots competition is among a handful that won't be played this year.
The annual meeting revealed a $AU9.4 million ($NZ9.58m) deficit for 2019.
The midfielder admits it's hard to stay 'up' during the lockdown.
