The issue for RU is thus:
* They are reigning in costs - ie player wages
* They are introducing a salary cap for Super 15
For RL, the IC is on the horizon. A NEW TV deal to be entered in to. New Revenue streams to be explored and cap flexibility to come in - proposed. The cap will increase and increase further by all accounts. I believe the plan is to make enough money to get the cap to $7million per club. This is about $2.5-$3m increase AND with a higher minimum wage so ALL the new money doesn't go straight to the Top 50 players.
If they also get flexibility in the 3rd party deals, even more $$$.
So, the RU players are hedging their bets and playing wait and see. If RL gets its house in order, and more money comes in to the game - hell, even with an increased cap for 16 teams AND increased minimum wage for the players, not only will RU lower level players switch, some of the big hitters will come across.
It makes sense, if you are a professional to see where it goes and not sign long term. Hence one-two year deals springing up.
As for Easts getting the players...I guess we'll see.