New Zealand rugby fans are celebrating the return of competition with the Super Rugby Aotearoa show kicking off on Saturday but the reality is, it is but one small step on the road to recovery.
Ticket prices and some broadcast fees will be a trickle in the economic bucket for both New Zealand Rugby and the respective franchises.
However, they are at least in a good position to start the long haul out of the mire.
Compared to other countries they are in the best possible position, and once Australia has sorted its remaining issues the prospect of Test rugby will be a more significant step in the process.
Australia is scheduled to start its competition between its four Super Rugby teams and the Perth-based Western Force on July 3.
South Africa's return is still undecided while in Argentina, the Jaguares face uncertain times with their players having been told to look offshore for opportunities.
Their coach Gonzalo Quesada has left the role and the Argentina Union president Marcelo Rodriguez said the Jaguares will continue to exist but he didn't know under what circumstances that would be.
He did confirm they would not play again in 2020.
He also said there was no breakdown in their relationship with Sanzaar, and they were continuing to work with them.
Meanwhile, Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark said ahead of their game on Saturday evening with the Chiefs: "The world will be watching, we will be ready to put on a show.
"Our players, coaches and staff have been working overtime to have Super Rugby Aotearoa ready and to now be able to share the competition with our members and our fans will be a very special occasion."
Travel has also been changed from that planned which had visiting teams flying in and out of cities on the same day. They will now be able to have their usual captain's run the day before the game and fly home on the day after.
Clark said having the first game since the pandemic shutdown rugby around the world would another historic day for the Highlanders' franchise and ranked with their 2017 victory over the touring British & Irish Lions.
New Zealand Rugby's chief executive Mark Robinson, who has had a 'thrown in at the deep end' experience since taking over the role at the start of the year, praised the effort of New Zealanders in attaining the position where restrictions could be lifted and mass gatherings allowed.
"It's a massive boost for Super Rugby Aotearoa.
"We're incredibly proud, and grateful, to be the first professional sports competition in the world to be in a position to have our teams play in front of their fans again," he said.
"It's going to be a very special and unique competition and it's fitting that New Zealanders now have a chance to be part of it."
Blues chief executive Andrew Hore was in a similar position to Robinson having only moved into his role late last year. Although he knew more about turmoil, although not on the scale of the pandemic, having worked in the New South Wales set-up during a time of upheaval in Australian rugby.
His side will host the second game, against the Hurricanes on Sunday.
"This is a great boost for the franchise and the region as a whole," he said.
"It's been a tough time for everyone over the past few months, so to be able to provide some rugby, some entertainment at a world-class level and a day out for sports fans and families will be magic," he said.
The Blues had an added selling advantage with All Blacks star Beauden Barrett expected to make his first appearance for the side against his old team.