MELBOURNE: World Rugby (WR) chairman Bill Beaumont has called for an emergency meeting in the wake of opposition towards the global governing body’s proposed World League, which will be a new 12-team competition in 2020 featuring New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, France, England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, USA and Japan. Six of these currently play in the Six Nations tournament.
Reportedly, the 12 teams will play each other once throughout the season with the semifinals and final to be held in the northern hemisphere in November or December. According to the New Zealand Herald, the league has been agreed upon by the federations of all the participating nations and an unnamed broadcaster has already offered World Rugby to finance the concept in a deal that will be worth around $6.8m-$9.5m per season for each nation.
However, the proposed tournament has come under flak for several reasons. One, excessive travel for players of all countries, culminating in a drop of quality in standards of international rugby which has made many accuse World Rugby of being elitist and money-minded. Two, there will be no promotion or relegation from either the Six Nations or Rugby Championship which means the likes of Asia Pacific countries such as Fiji, Samoa and Tonga could be left out in the cold for at least 10 years.
As a result, Beaumont will be meeting with the representatives and player unions of all countries impacted by the proposal in Dublin at the end of the month. He denies that any final decision has been taken on the league.
“In light of continued speculation and commentary, I am convening a meeting of Chairmen and CEOs from tier one unions, Fiji and Japan and player representatives in Dublin later this month to consider the way forward for an annual international competition.
“Contrary to reports, no decisions have been made. This is an ongoing and complex process with multiple stakeholders, some with differing views. Only by working together in the interests of the global game can we achieve something truly impactful in this important area for rugby’s future global growth. I look forward to a constructive debate with my colleagues and productive outcomes,” the chairman said in an official statement.
