WR kicks for touch on revamp
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont has left us none the wiser.
Speculation about the future structure of the international programme has been rife since World Rugby vice-chairman Agustin Pichot recently referred to the radical reorganisation of the global calendar, which was agreed in San Francisco in March last year.
Pichot recently revealed to a French publication he wanted a ‘‘World League’’ tournament, comprising the top 12-ranked teams to play an annual tournament in November instead of the traditional tours that are already fixed in the calendar.
Alternating between the northern and southern hemispheres, the concept of the tournament resonated with Pichot because he believes test rugby is ‘‘under threat’’ due to financial issues and falling crowd numbers.
This was in direct conflict to what was agreed in San Francisco. Yet Pichot wants more change. It seems absurd to believe that his proposals, which he is reported to have discussed with NZ Rugby CEO Steve Tew among others, were not discussed by World Rugby.
Not that Beaumont was going to do directly address the issue following the meeting.
In a statement released by World Rugby, there was no reference to Pichot’s proposal of setting up an annual tournament.
Instead, the release noted World Rugby remained committed to enhancing the competitiveness of international rugby between World Cups within the 2020-32 calendar framework agreed in San Francisco.
‘‘I believe the time is right and the opportunity exits to do something really impactful that injects further excitement, significance and value into the international rugby between Rugby World Cups for the benefit of all,’’ Beaumont said.
‘‘In line with this objective, we are examining models to maximise the potential of the July and November windows without changing the framework of the San Francisco agreement.’’
Pichot said in the same statement it was critical World Rugby continued to evolve and ensure appeal and relevance within a ‘‘rapidly-evolving global fan, broadcast and commercial environment’’.
‘‘The strategies we have been exploring set out to do just that, providing a blueprint for essential growth, furthering opportunities for emerging nations and growing value for all.’’
No mention of a 12-team tournament in November. No mention of whether it was even raised on the agenda.
A World Rugby professional game committee will now be convened, comprising all tier-one and several tier-two representatives to progress the discussions. This group will report to the executive committee.