French row may spark new schism in game
It’s hard to believe but the game is just about to suffer a bigger threat to its existence than it has endured over the past six months of virus lockdown – and it will be French rugby causing the problem. The challenge to World Rugby’s Regulation 9 that compels clubs to release players for international training and matches by the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR), the umbrella organisation that represents the top two leagues in France, could create a schism in the game.
As much as I disagree with the heavy-handed approach of World Rugby as they try to find a solution to the financial mess the game’s powerhouse unions find themselves in as a result of lockdown, I do understand the logic of their argument,
However, France are a special case as their club game is probably the strongest in the world, financially, and deserved to be considered and consulted before a possibly damaging schedule was agreed.
Until now, the rules and regulations set out by World Rugby have been virtually unchallenged by any country let alone club, but the draconian manner in which they have decreed an extension to the Autumn Internationals has proved a step too far for the LNR.
The clubs, although not happy, accepted the five-week international programme but have been angered by the FFR arranging an extra sixth game against Wales.
The clubs have voted to withhold the release of players for the sixth match and are seeking clearance from the European Commission as to the legitimacy of the World Rugby regulations, particularly Regulation 9.
At the moment, the English Premiership is sitting on the sidelines watching and waiting for a clear direction from the European Commission as to whether World Rugby’s regulations are valid.
However, I am sure they will use a positive outcome for the LNR in their future negotiation with the RFU for player release.
If I am understanding this correctly and the Commission find in favour of the clubs, it would effectively mean that no player would have the right to train or play for anyone other than the club they are contracted to without the permission of their employer, their club.
This would mean the only way that players can protect their right to play for their country is to have a clause in their contract but few if any would choose this option, particularly if it was against the club owner’s wishes.
This could mean the unions are no longer able to stage any international matches with players from any of the professional leagues without the agreement of their clubs.
In France, the FFR are not in a financial position to pay clubs for the use of players as they don’t own a money-generating stadium like the RFU do with Twickenham.
However, as the RFU have already paid out millions just for the extra time players are away from their clubs outside the stipulated Regulation 9 periods, I shudder to think how much the clubs will want to release players for the whole RFU international season.
It is unusual for any sport’s governing body to be challenged in this way, as it is generally accepted sports are played in accordance to the rules and regulations laid down by the governing body of each sport and if you don’t like them, you don’t play.
The regulations encompassed in the laws of the game dictate all aspects of the sport, including release of players, which is seen as essential to protect players and the unions from unfair coercion by clubs stopping their players from playing for their country.
Even with Regulation 9, there have been any number of occasions where players have been coerced not to play for their country. One only has to look at the number of Pacific Island players who have missed the chance of playing in the RWC for their countries, enabling them to remain at their clubs.
The challenge by LNR would probably have failed had it been launched in the amateur days but there is now a different set of rules that apply and may make a difference.
When the game turned professional, the clubs changed from being a social club with members, to an employer who is bound by the same employment laws as any other employer. Meanwhile, players are no longer members of the club who have the freedom to do as they wish and are now employees.
The last time rugby faced a crisis of similar magnitude was in 1895 when the Northern Rugby Union broke away from the established Rugby Football Union to form its own game.
However, as they say every cloud has a possible silver lining, which if push came to shove, could see the RFU looking beyond the Premiership for a long-term solution to fielding a creditable international side.
As daft as it sounds, it may be that if the cost of hiring Premiership players becomes too expensive, a return to the past could be the only logical alternative for the RFU and the long called for (from some quarters) return to a proper County Championship may well be on the cards.
“The French clubs have voted to withhold the release of players to play Wales”