GOVERNING BODY WORLD Rugby has expressed its surprise at the strongly-worded statement from International Rugby Players (IRP) this morning on the reported structure of a new 12-team global league.
In a statement released this afternoon, World Rugby said the manner in which the IRP have publicly outlined their concerns “is surprising given regular engagement throughout this ongoing process.
“World Rugby’s commitment to player welfare matters is unwavering and we will continue to engage and give full consideration to the welfare of players within the ongoing discussions.”
With regard to the proposed tournament itself, the governing body insist consultation with stakeholders is ongoing. And though they do not go into specifics about which points of the New Zealand Herald report or IRP’s follow-up statement were inaccurate, but WR vice chairman Agustin Pichot has tweeted his wish for promotion and relegation to be a feature for the 12-team league.
“It is important to note that some assumptions made in the statement regarding the proposed competition structure are inaccurate and that important matters such as playing load and emerging nation opportunities are at the heart of constructive dialogue on the overall concept.”
World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper at Twickenham this month. Inpho / Billy Stickland
Inpho / Billy Stickland / Billy Stickland
The statement then goes on to reaffirm the reasons for introducing a new format, saying:
Consumer research confirms a structured annual competition would make fans and new audiences more likely to watch, attend and engage with international rugby, exposing the sport to new fans worldwide.
“There is also no doubt that a structured annual international competition would deliver significantly greater long-term broadcast revenue for reinvestment in the global game.
“This project has at its heart long-term growth and stability, not short-term wins, and that includes greater opportunity for players.”
Bernard Jackman joins Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey to discuss the backlash to World Rugby’s league proposal, captaincy styles, sports psychology and more in The42 Rugby Weekly.
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World Rugby hit back at players' outcry over possible World League format
GOVERNING BODY WORLD Rugby has expressed its surprise at the strongly-worded statement from International Rugby Players (IRP) this morning on the reported structure of a new 12-team global league.
As IRP president, Jonathan Sexton branded the mooted schedule, particularly the prospect of five matches on consecutive November weekends from next year, “out of touch”, while many others have decried the possible absence of Pacific nations Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
In a statement released this afternoon, World Rugby said the manner in which the IRP have publicly outlined their concerns “is surprising given regular engagement throughout this ongoing process.
“World Rugby’s commitment to player welfare matters is unwavering and we will continue to engage and give full consideration to the welfare of players within the ongoing discussions.”
With regard to the proposed tournament itself, the governing body insist consultation with stakeholders is ongoing. And though they do not go into specifics about which points of the New Zealand Herald report or IRP’s follow-up statement were inaccurate, but WR vice chairman Agustin Pichot has tweeted his wish for promotion and relegation to be a feature for the 12-team league.
“It is important to note that some assumptions made in the statement regarding the proposed competition structure are inaccurate and that important matters such as playing load and emerging nation opportunities are at the heart of constructive dialogue on the overall concept.”
The statement then goes on to reaffirm the reasons for introducing a new format, saying:
“There is also no doubt that a structured annual international competition would deliver significantly greater long-term broadcast revenue for reinvestment in the global game.
“This project has at its heart long-term growth and stability, not short-term wins, and that includes greater opportunity for players.”
Bernard Jackman joins Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey to discuss the backlash to World Rugby’s league proposal, captaincy styles, sports psychology and more in The42 Rugby Weekly.
The42 Rugby Weekly / SoundCloud
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