NZ opposed US in world league – report

At a glance

New Zealand Rugby reportedly rejected the involvement of the United States in the controversial World League proposal.

World Rugby sparked outrage last week when leaked plans for the World League revealed the exclusion of the likes of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, as well as an increased workload on players.

The proposed format included top 10 ranked teams along with Japan and the US because of their commercial value.

However, has reported America’s involvement was ‘‘unanimously rejected’’ on a conference call between World Rugby and executives from NZR and Rugby Australia last week.

added that all parties opposed the US on nonsporting grounds. The US are ranked 15th after losing to Uruguay 32-25 last week.

Ahead of a meeting in Dublin next week, World Rugby has released a statement detailing a competition model which includes promotion and relegation, Japanese club Toyota Verblitz.

Mccaw, the most capped player in test history, brought his illustrious career to an end after leading the All Blacks to back-toback world titles in 2015.

And he had some advice for Read as he looks to emulate his former Crusaders team-mate by bowing out on top.

‘‘You do have to be careful if you think ‘this is the last time for that’ and get too nostalgic or

with ‘‘opportunities for all teams to compete at the top level on merit’’. whatever,’’ Mccaw told Newstalk

‘‘You still want to put everything into each day so you can perform. Knowing the type of guy he is, he’ll have no trouble, I’m sure.’’

A veteran of 118 tests and the 2013 World Rugby player of the

‘‘Under this model, the Pacific Islands and all teams outside the current 6 Nations and The Rugby

Championship would have a potential pathway,’’ the statement said.