World Rugby Backs Test Shake-Up

It seems like it won’t be long until the rugby fraternity finally see who is the best between the Northern hemisphere and Southern hemisphere countries thanks to the new “league of nations”.

World Rugby has backed a proposal to dramatically revamp the Test calendar and introduce a “league of nations” competition featuring the sport’s top 12 national teams, it was reported.

World Rugby boss Brett Gosper said the governing body supported the plan, which is aimed at boosting revenues generated by the international game, provided it passed a feasibility study.

“It just makes sense and it would seem to be the time to do this and there’s a consensus and a desire to try,” Gosper told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph.

The plan would see a 12-team annual competition take place in non-World Cup years, with the top six teams from the northern and southern hemispheres all playing each other.

They would form a 12-nation league, with the top four teams entering an elimination phase to find an annual champion.

The Rugby Championship (southern hemisphere) and the Six Nations (northern) would serve as the first leg of the competition.

The second leg between northern and southern teams would take place in the existing July and November windows, replacing the three-Test tours that are now commonplace.

“The team coming South would have to play three (different) teams, but it’s making sure each game counts towards an end that is more interesting to the fans, and therefore a more viable product,” Gosper said.

The Telegraph reported that the competition, first floated by World Rugby vice-chairman Agustin Pichot of Argentina, could start as early as 2020.

It said there would be a second-tier competition, where smaller nations could fight to earn promotion to the top 12.

Gosper did not believe an annual league of nations would detract from the Rugby World Cup, the showpiece tournament held once every four years.

“It keeps the Rugby World Cup as the pinnacle event but you’re building towards that over a three-year period,” he said.

Gosper said the key to the concept’s implementation was how much cash it generated.

“Everyone wants to see if the theory leads to higher values and the implications,” he said.

It would be very interesting. Its the implementation that worries me. If they can sort the details, it'd be great from a rugby point of view. Either way, the look set on this. 

I should add, I'm not in favour of playoff rounds in either domestic rugby (cross country) or test rugby. If they keep it as a straight league, I'd go with it.

The idea to include a second division is a massive one. As of yet, there is very little option for nations outside of the traditional rugby superpowers to gain experience against them and elevate their standing. These one-off tests in a world cup setting with a very disadvantaged schedule is pathetic. 

Rugby Australia chief executive, Castle, added her support behind behind ten League of Nations. It could be implemented as soon as 2020. The drive to make this happen is growing and everyone seems to want it. 

I will want to see how the money gets divides ,betcha the likes of England wont want to have a split of the gate from Twickenham and what about TV revenues ? Do the lower ranked team get the same for playing higher ranked teams ? .Will it all be pooled ?

I dont trust the NH to come up with anything that doesnt benefit them ahead of the SH.

I don't trust anyone, not even SARU. Everyone is ultimately looking after their own interests first, those with the most power and influence will ultimately dictate terms. The NH has the money.

I don't know what solutions they have in mind, but they must have something for so many unions to be eager to bring this to fruition. 

Mr Auggie whatever it is from the NH ya just know without copious amounts of lube it will hurt like the very devil