Pause aids schedule talks

Rugby: The Covid19 pandemic has had a devastating financial impact on rugby around the world but has given the sport an opportunity to once again focus on the perennial challenge of a global calendar, World Rugby head Brett Gosper said yesterday.

Despite a positive longterm view, Gosper said World Rugby was acting as a ‘‘central bank’’, earmarking around $US100 million to support 30 unions, with the bulk of the money going to the bigger unions.

Without crowds at most matches, only TV deals are keeping the bigger unions afloat.

‘‘It’s been devastating from a revenue point of view,’’ Gosper said.

The pause in the game has at least offered the chance to again discuss the thorny calendar issue though, he said.

‘‘The pandemic has been constructive in focusing people’s minds to look at models whereas in the hustle and bustle of normal season parameters there might not have been that willingness to engage.’’