Pacific Island nations are considering a boycott of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in protest at plans to revamp the international Test calendar.
Pacific Island nations are considering a boycott of this year's Rugby World Cup in protest at plans to revamp the international Test calendar.
However, Leo said it should now be"abundantly clear that World Rugby has failed the genuine rugby fan" and called on the three Pacific national unions to support their players' move to help"head off this calamity"."The days of colonialism are long behind us but this model that they're proposing is more reminiscent of those days," Leo, who represented Samoa at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups, told BBC Sport.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live's Friday Sports Panel, former England head coach Stuart Lancaster said he had"100% sympathy" for the Pacific Islands. Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam, who played in three World Cups for Samoa, told BT Sport the plans were a"real slap in the face" for the Pacific Island nations.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Women’s World Cup 2019: all you need to know with 100 days to goFrom 2019 Women’s World Cup match tickets and game locations to potential stars of the future and England v Scotland
Read more »
Rugby union’s World League plans risk forfeiting the game’s soulFlawed blueprint for international game is a selfish proposal likely to increase the gap between the haves and have-nots
Read more »
England ODI team's World Cup hopes hit by 'moments of madness' - Michael VaughanEngland's one-day side need to stop having 'moments of madness' if they are to win the World Cup this summer, says former captain Michael Vaughan.
Read more »
The Breakdown | Warren Gatland's ability to get best from Wales bodes well for World CupWales, England and Ireland have a chance of glory in Japan – the Six Nations trumps the Rugby Championship for preparation
Read more »
Gone are the days when only Germany or USA could win Women’s World Cup | Eni AlukoPreparations for France 2019 are stepping up and at least six teams can win it, England and Australia among them
Read more »
Liverpool celebrated Anfield derby win like World Cup final, says Marco SilvaMarco Silva has claimed Jürgen Klopp celebrated Liverpool’s dramatic derby win in December like it was a World Cup final as he responded to his rival’s barb about the importance of Sunday’s fixture to Everton
Read more »
World War 3: Safest countries in the world to escape to in event of a disasterWORLD War Three is a terrifying prospect but with escalating tensions between leading countries rife across the globe its an eventuality that should not be ruled out. In the event of a disaster, these are the safest countries in the world to escape to depending on where you are.
Read more »
Phil Neville sticks to his guns as Lionesses head to USA for major testDecision not to take Beth England or Aoife Mannion to SheBelieves Cup could prove crucial in the World Cup dress-rehearsal
Read more »