Planet Rugby Forum

Wilson's Toffee wrote:

naki wrote: Wilson, you’re not getting it. This comp will exist within the current windows eg the times the clubs already have to release players anyway

They do not release the players sufficiently, already. Will they do it for a new wrapper around an old package ?

I don’t think it will be any different, barring changes in other areas. Ridiculous situations like Toomua and TPN flying travelling like Jules Verne just to sit on he bench for their European paymasters, or Faf being forced to sit out the November tests - a sanctioned WR international window - because of the agreement with his club will continue.

Gone are the days of development squads to the other hemisphere. At least South Africa will have at least two squads, each squad used to playing in either hemisphere.

749a wrote:So 12 teams - Top 6 in "NH" = 6 Nations + Top 6 in "SH" = TRC + Japan + Fiji (Sorry Georgia & Tonga)

NH play each other in Feb/March (5 games)
3 cross group games in July
SH play each other in Aug/Sep (5 games)
3 cross group games in November

SF + GF played ???

Well they're still talking about having promotion and relegation which I guess opens up the possibility of Georgia replacing Italy in the 6N.

There's no mention in the article of a SF & GF? If they were to happen in November that would mean two lucky teams having to play 5 matches in that window. The English & French clubs will be thrilled with that
Perhaps they could get away with having just a grand final and doing away with the semis?

sturginho wrote:

749a wrote:So 12 teams - Top 6 in "NH" = 6 Nations + Top 6 in "SH" = TRC + Japan + Fiji (Sorry Georgia & Tonga)

NH play each other in Feb/March (5 games)
3 cross group games in July
SH play each other in Aug/Sep (5 games)
3 cross group games in November

SF + GF played ???

Well they're still talking about having promotion and relegation which I guess opens up the possibility of Georgia replacing Italy in the 6N.

There's no mention in the article of a SF & GF? If they were to happen in November that would mean two lucky teams having to play 5 matches in that window. The English & French clubs will be thrilled with that
Perhaps they could get away with having just a grand final and doing away with the semis?

There are six teams in each group, so presumably there are 5 group games which leaves one weekend for finals and play-offs. I'm not sure how they will work out where the games are played. None of the NH unions will want to give up their 3-4 home internationals in November as they're big money spinners.

Not a fan of this. It resembles a bloody circus.

Less internationals and more emphasis on the next tier down would be better. I know NZ's system is all about the All Blacks but I reckon less is more with the AB brand.

Maybe it will be good in one way
If there is much more money in it, it may dissuade more players from going north for a paycheck

Anyway, congrats NZ [/anonymous]