The revised schedule promises to be a 'quantum leap' for the sport - but it is a long way from a proper shake-up of the cosy old order
The revised schedule promises to be a ‘quantum leap’ for the sport – but it is a long way from a proper shake-up of the cosy old orderPARIS — Amid a blizzard of catchphrases borrowed from politics, advertising and philosophy – “an era that will support the many, not the few”, “the future is bright”, “all boats will rise higher” –on Tuesday claimed a “quantum leap” with a revised global calendar to separate the international and club seasons from 2026 onwards.
A couple of the announcements made in Paris by Sir Bill Beaumont and Alan Gilpin, respectively chairman and chief executive of World Rugby, four days ahead of the men’s World Cup final in the city, were easily digestible. When the idea of the new international competition was first mooted by World Rugby in 2019, they were going to run it, presumably for the good of all, and with an agreed marketing deal, they said, worth around £6bn.
Instead, the top division of the new competition will be contested by the 10 Six Nations and Sanzaar teams plus two others to be decided by Sanzaar – probably Japan and either the USA or Fiji – in July and November of 2026, and again in 2028 and so on, with a November grand final.
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.
Rugby World Cup expansion and new Nations Championship announced by World RugbyAn increase to 24 teams at the Rugby World Cup and a new Nations Championship have been announced by World Rugby.
Read more »
Finally Walkers explain why cheese and onion crisps are in a blue bagLots of people have questioned why the popular crisp company opts for blue packets over green
Read more »
Active investing, inert industryWhy own a fund manager?
Read more »