NZ opposed US in world league

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

The Times 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, with ‘‘opportunities for all teams to compete at the top level on merit’’.

‘‘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. World Rugby said play

welfare was ‘‘fundamental to our sport’’, adding that players would would play a maximum of 13 matches in the Nations Championship compared to the current average of between 12 and 14 tests. It said most teams would play 11 matches.

‘‘Commercial considerations are important for long-term growth at all levels. Under the proposed competition, media rights would be combined, enabling greater consistency and overall value.’’ The two extra teams in the Rugby Championship selected from world rankings currently would be Fiji and Japan.