The big news broke overnight that World Rugby is set to shake up the current International scene by creating a ’12 Team World League’
We’ve broken it down as simply and quickly as possible.
What:
- 12 Team World League
- 6 Nations remains unchanged
- The Rugby Championship sees USA & Japan added
- Each team will play each other once
- No promotion or relegation
- Semi Final & Final to decide No.1 team
Who:
- 6 Nations – England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France & Italy
- Rugby Championship – New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina
- New Additions – USA & Japan will be added to the Rugby Championship
- Notable Exclusions: Pacific Island Teams, Fiji (Currently Ranked 9th) Samoa & Tonga. Georgia and Canada.
When:
- ASAP – 2020
- Push to sign off before 6 Nations & Rugby Championship renegotiate existing broadcasting deals.
- 10 Year Period.
- 6 Nations & Rugby Championship calendars to remain in same windows.
- Cross tournament fixtures to take place outside of that. Potentially in June & Autumn windows or mid-season.
- Semi & Final to take place in November/December.
Why:
- Cash.
- Broadcaster already interested which would guarantee the 12 Nations in the region of £ 5-7 Million each.
- Proposed months ago to the International Nations and recently in LA where no players where present.
The news has not gone down well with current players. Kieran Read, Jonathan Sexton and Owen Farrell have all spoken out against the proposal. You can see the player backlash here.
