Planet Rugby Forum

polyallstar wrote:I'd say at least 2 per year (1 autumn, 1 summer is manageable imo) and as mentioned I'd like to see more A games at that level (would be a perfect stepping stone for Georgia to play home test v England Saxons imo)

Currently England play one a year (since the Churchill Cup died a few years ago) no idea about ABs?

Tbh I'd rather England played a Tier 2 test than BaaBaas too (will no doubt get shot down for this, but if it's an either/or I'd choose Tier 2 test)

So I'll hold the rubber stamp for guy smiley and his coffee-powered brain.

NZ are minor players anyway, and these Tier 2 tests are particularly good in England. I think the RFU need to schedule four per year. The two I already factored into my last post + a third in place of the Baabaas game + another as their 13th game per year.

Everyone knows this is the right way to go. Can I get an Amen !!

Sir Bill won't even be needed once the fans are on board but, until that's rubber stamped, the numbers of games I posted above are still where we're at.

There's still more scope to be had, though. Lions years, bro. Every one of these tours, the four Lions countries left behind should be touring T2 countries like Tonga, Samoa and Japan. 3 Tests each x 4 countries, that's 12 cross-tier games.

Obviously in World Cup years there are more cross-tier games as well. Time to expand it to 24 teams to bring in even more of T2.

In the remaining two years of each 4-year cycle, I think one of year should have a focus on the old skool head-to-head 3-Test series tours.

And the other year? Well, I look at these numbers:

• • a) 6N: (T?) ... 2.5 home / 2.5 away
    b) 4N: (T?) ... 2 home / 2 away
    c) 13N: (T2) ... 1 home / 1 away ... make it 2 home / 2 away

A 12-team World League with potential T2 promotion (and 6N + TRC untouched) can fit in that. Add on an option of a final. That's what I'd do for one year out of four.

kiap wrote:

polyallstar wrote:

kiap wrote:

polyallstar wrote:Have to say I'm shocked by Pichot's involvement in this, everything I've read previously suggested he was a big advocate of the Tier 2/3 game...

TBF, it wasn't him who wanted to rule out promo/relegation.

Who do you think it was? (Hint: started with a 6 and then expanded)

Even if there is promotion/relegation it's still a terrible idea as it means Tier 2 nations NEVER get to play Tier 1 unless they are promoted. The new calendar should increase the number of cross-tier games (or as I've advocated before A teams v Tier 2) not decrease them...

C'mon then. Exactly how many games are you suggesting, say, the All Blacks play against T2?

And how many do they play overall?

(If you can answer this, you get one rubber stamp)

The ABs generally play one test a year against a Tier 2 nation (not including at RWCs). Tonga this year, Japan last year, Samoa the year before.

Not often enough.

It's just a dreadful idea, top to bottom.
It seems to have come out of nowhere for me, or maybe I'm just not paying attention much anymore.

Who's been calling for a global season/comp?

Of course it's not gone, this is like May's deal, the powers that be have decided this is what's going to happen irrespective of whether people hate it. They're just going to keep tweaking it to pacify various interests in the hope of getting it through.

Floppykid wrote:It's just a dreadful idea, top to bottom.
It seems to have come out of nowhere for me, or maybe I'm just not paying attention much anymore.

Who's been calling for a global season/comp?

Pichot and skint unions like the ARU.

kiap wrote:these Tier 2 tests are particularly good in England.

Why?

They fill the stadium and so do the IRFU. The ARU in comparison only got 30,000 for the Samoa test in 2011 and 12,000 to watch Fiji in 2017.

Brumby_in_Vic wrote:They fill the stadium and so do the IRFU. The ARU in comparison only got 30,000 for the Samoa test in 2011 and 12,000 to watch Fiji in 2017.

Oh, I thought he meant for the Tier 2 side.

naki wrote:

kiap wrote:C'mon then. Exactly how many games are you suggesting, say, the All Blacks play against T2?

And how many do they play overall?

(If you can answer this, you get one rubber stamp)

The ABs generally play one test a year against a Tier 2 nation (not including at RWCs). Tonga this year, Japan last year, Samoa the year before.

Not often enough.

Still no rubber stamp, I'm afraid.

I think this needs a heavyweight. It seems to be a hard question, cuz.

Where's guy smiley when u need him?

kiap wrote:

naki wrote:

kiap wrote:C'mon then. Exactly how many games are you suggesting, say, the All Blacks play against T2?

And how many do they play overall?

(If you can answer this, you get one rubber stamp)

The ABs generally play one test a year against a Tier 2 nation (not including at RWCs). Tonga this year, Japan last year, Samoa the year before.

Not often enough.

Still no rubber stamp, I'm afraid.

I think this needs a heavyweight. It seems to be a hard question, cuz.

Where's guy smiley when u need him?

Well fvck you, cvnt

naki wrote:Well fvck you, cvnt

guy smiley wrote:What hypothetical do you want me to rhetorically address?

This requires more than naki's bandwidth. So, in reverse order ..

(b) How many games should the ABs be playing?

(a) How many T2 games should the ABs be playing?

kiap wrote:
(a) How many T2 games should the ABs be playing?

Maaaate, they're a really good side but matching them up against a T-1000 made of mimetic polyalloy is a bit of a hard ask.

Jay Cee Gee wrote:a bit of a hard ask.

I thought so ...

Australia could near enough to sell out para stadium playing Vs any of the island teams...pretty much regardless of who they are playing in the tier 1. Probably ditto for NZ and say Mt Smart.

guy smiley wrote:I smell a trap... you’re asking me to answer someone else’s question.

I’m back out and on the phone so excuse any brevity...

We’re constricted by the need for revenue, right, all of us so balancing that with moral guardianship is difficult and challenging. Thank god I’m here then...

Gets hard when the rubber stamp hits the road ...

i.e. boss man Stinky Steve may be a cvnt, but he's your cvnt. At least we're not pretending he doesn't want the money from this World League concept. Sanzaar have been driving it, bro.

guy smiley wrote:I think the SANZAAR model has become bloated and cumbersome. Strip some of that out and reduce the gameload while increasing the appeal of the current playing partners simultaneously. No home and away, straight round robin and reverse the next year for the RC. Host a couple of ‘away’ tests to share a decent gate with PI teams... if we really have to we can add mix a three test Bledisloe series into that and the RC. Sigh.

So that's TRC halved from 6 games to 3. In place of that a couple (i.e. 2) games at Eden Park where all the gate goes to Fiji/Samoa. Generous ... And for the third, either hosting Japan/USA or playing them at Chichibu/Chicago (what were the scores last time -- 70-nil in each case wasn't it?)

I reckon the ABs playing those games will be the Soup/M10 crew that got capped last year. The main ABs players don't want these "tests". They're seeking fewer games, not more.

Zakar wrote:Australia could near enough to sell out para stadium playing Vs any of the island teams...

What's stopping them - ticket prices?

guy smiley wrote:NZ has two international teams in men’s 15. The Maori could be playing a test series every year and that could be a pathway to greater Tier2 exposure and that mana mystique would sell very well into the US.

I think the idea has merit, but that's some masterful marketing you've added on top!

NZ playing their Tier 2 team against Tier 2 countries! It's better tho: minus blowouts, plus mana!! How come you don't have Steve Tew's job already?

guy smiley wrote:We’ve discussed the future of Soup in here many times over the years and I’ve been fairly consistent in my preference for swing the focus back onto the Pacific Rim rugby community.

Super Rugby told the PIs to geffarrked a few months ago, tho. And Kiwis galore (literally everywhere) want the Sunwolves booted. That's a bit awkward.

guy smiley wrote:Like to see that happen for the massive marketing opportunities and the potential growth of the game into nations like Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil etc and mainland USA. If we started a regular Soup level comp that gave those types of countries regular access to professional rugby we could also include them into a second tier test schedule involving a Maori All Blacks side while the ABs continued with a modified version of the current set up that opens a window for 2-3 second tier tests as well.You want ideas? I’m here to shake the tree, rock the boat, spill the Syrah. The game has become static, it needs to open up.

Tests against Paraguay and Brazil, eh? Maori AB might play their 2nd tier lineup for those too, I suppose?

guy smiley wrote:

kiap wrote: Tests against Paraguay and Brazil, eh? Maori AB might play their 2nd tier lineup for those too, I suppose?

Have you seen the Brazilian scrum?

here...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOhPmWAtvpM



edit again...

from this year, against the head, against Argentina

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjwLDzKwGDw

Yeah, I have mate.

It's great to watch. Teams who want to get good, tho, eventually focus on other aspects besides scrummaging.

They were flogged by the Pampas XV.

guy smiley wrote:Yeah, but no-one f**ks with the Pampas XV.

True. Pampers on the other hand ... I've got a few adult nappies that have seen some action!

kiap wrote:

Zakar wrote:Australia could near enough to sell out para stadium playing Vs any of the island teams...

What's stopping them - ticket prices?

Is Samoa allowed to just rent Parra stadium for a match versus Scotland say?

Brumby_in_Vic wrote:...and 12,000 to watch Fiji in 2017.

That game was in Melbourne and suggests that Victorians aren't keen on watching a T2 side.

Besides, I believe that Sydney has the highest number of Fijians that reside in AU.

Was that test even promoted? I got the impression reading comments and articles that people even know it was on.

Brumby_in_Vic wrote:Was that test even promoted? I got the impression reading comments and articles that people even know it was on.

RA is in charge so probably not.

I get that they want to move the "lesser" games to areas that don't get much rugby but jeez, you're not going to find many Fiji supporters in Melbourne.

I'm sure there was a more recent thread but can't find it...

World league moves closer as rugby holds summit on new tournament
Exclusive: Stakeholders could extend autumn Test window next week as part of move towards new international league

World Rugby hopes to secure agreement to extend the window for Test matches to be played each autumn during key meetings in London next week which could provide the “breakthrough moment” for a new world league competition.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union ... ip-league/

It's like a virus that keeps coming back.

Schlaps wrote: ↑Sat Jun 24, 2023 9:09 pm It's like a virus that keeps coming back.

World Rugby just will not get the f**king point that fans don't want it will they?

eldanielfire wrote: ↑Sun Jun 25, 2023 12:42 am

Schlaps wrote: ↑Sat Jun 24, 2023 9:09 pm It's like a virus that keeps coming back.

World Rugby just will not get the f**king point that fans don't want it will they?

If EVER a sport was run by mopes, this is it. Will not be satisfied until they fcuk it all up! More is not necessarily better. Wankers! And to think that the WRU makes these tools look competent.

Grandpa wrote: ↑Sat Jun 24, 2023 8:55 pm I'm sure there was a more recent thread but can't find it...

World league moves closer as rugby holds summit on new tournament
Exclusive: Stakeholders could extend autumn Test window next week as part of move towards new international league

World Rugby hopes to secure agreement to extend the window for Test matches to be played each autumn during key meetings in London next week which could provide the “breakthrough moment” for a new world league competition.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union ... ip-league/

The rugby championship in February/March is utterly retarded

So this is why the RFU were so blasé about losing 3 clubs, they knew they wanted a reduced domestic fixtures list to free up time for player release in the autumn.

piquant wrote: ↑Sun Jun 25, 2023 11:27 am So this is why the RFU were so blasé about losing 3 clubs, they knew they wanted a reduced domestic fixtures list to free up time for player release in the autumn.

WR and RFU are pure scum.

booze wrote: ↑Sun Jun 25, 2023 10:25 am

Grandpa wrote: ↑Sat Jun 24, 2023 8:55 pm I'm sure there was a more recent thread but can't find it...

World league moves closer as rugby holds summit on new tournament
Exclusive: Stakeholders could extend autumn Test window next week as part of move towards new international league

World Rugby hopes to secure agreement to extend the window for Test matches to be played each autumn during key meetings in London next week which could provide the “breakthrough moment” for a new world league competition.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union ... ip-league/

The rugby championship in February/March is utterly retarded

Yep. Whoever the sources are for this NH article clearly hasn’t played rugby in 40 degree heat.

Auckman wrote: ↑Mon Jun 26, 2023 3:01 am

booze wrote: ↑Sun Jun 25, 2023 10:25 am

Grandpa wrote: ↑Sat Jun 24, 2023 8:55 pm I'm sure there was a more recent thread but can't find it...

World league moves closer as rugby holds summit on new tournament
Exclusive: Stakeholders could extend autumn Test window next week as part of move towards new international league

World Rugby hopes to secure agreement to extend the window for Test matches to be played each autumn during key meetings in London next week which could provide the “breakthrough moment” for a new world league competition.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union ... ip-league/

The rugby championship in February/March is utterly retarded

Yep. Whoever the sources are for this NH article clearly haven’t played rugby in 40 degree heat.

I seem to recall that McLennan, or whatever the Aussie CEO's name is, was all for it.

Pure stupidity.

Ted. wrote: ↑Mon Jun 26, 2023 3:05 am

Auckman wrote: ↑Mon Jun 26, 2023 3:01 am

booze wrote: ↑Sun Jun 25, 2023 10:25 am

The rugby championship in February/March is utterly retarded

Yep. Whoever the sources are for this NH article clearly haven’t played rugby in 40 degree heat.

I seem to recall that McLennan, or whatever the Aussie CEO's name is, was all for it.

Pure stupidity.

Since there is no fúcken way I'm giving a UK arserag any of my details to read a soft-paywalled article, I'm still no wiser as to whether Feb/Mar refers to both hemispheres or one only.

Also, McLennan = just another Siddeney knob.

MungoMan wrote: ↑Mon Jun 26, 2023 7:32 am

Ted. wrote: ↑Mon Jun 26, 2023 3:05 am

Auckman wrote: ↑Mon Jun 26, 2023 3:01 am

Yep. Whoever the sources are for this NH article clearly haven’t played rugby in 40 degree heat.

I seem to recall that McLennan, or whatever the Aussie CEO's name is, was all for it.

Pure stupidity.

Since there is no fúcken way I'm giving a UK arserag any of my details to read a soft-paywalled article, I'm still no wiser as to whether Feb/Mar refers to both hemispheres or one only.

Also, McLennan = just another Siddeney knob.

Just our one.

And you're not wrong. We seem to have a long line of Canterbury ones, with apologies to that fair province, but if you would keep them to your selves, we'd all be better off.

Rugby players will soon have careers lasting three seasons.

Rowdy wrote: ↑Mon Jun 26, 2023 12:15 pm Rugby players will soon have careers lasting three seasons.

But Glorious seasons. GOLDEN seasons!

Ted. wrote: ↑Mon Jun 26, 2023 11:37 am

MungoMan wrote: ↑Mon Jun 26, 2023 7:32 am

Ted. wrote: ↑Mon Jun 26, 2023 3:05 am

I seem to recall that McLennan, or whatever the Aussie CEO's name is, was all for it.

Pure stupidity.

Since there is no fúcken way I'm giving a UK arserag any of my details to read a soft-paywalled article, I'm still no wiser as to whether Feb/Mar refers to both hemispheres or one only.

Also, McLennan = just another Siddeney knob.

Just our one.

And you're not wrong. We seem to have a long line of Canterbury ones, with apologies to that fair province, but if you would keep them to your selves, we'd all be better off.

Ta Ted!

FullbackAce wrote: ↑Sun Mar 03, 2019 10:07 pm WR are at it again. This time Billy Bo https://twitter.com/BillBeaumont/status ... 4360518656

I am convening a meeting of Chairmen and CEOs from tier one unions, Fiji and Japan, and player representatives in Dublin later this month to consider the way forward for an annual international competition. Full statement attached.This forum will be an extended joint meeting of the Professional Game Committee and our Executive Committee, the groups who oversee the project. The international importance of the British & Irish Lions, 6 Nations and The Rugby Championship are recognized, protected and at the heart of this project

Nothing about paywall or non participating nations. All the outrage has done is apparently switched USA with FIJI... Now they're gonna start appeasing all parties until they get their way and the end result will be the same.

As much as I'm happy Fiji is in the mix, I am not entirely on board with Samoa, Tonga and Georgia being cut off here along with USA and Canada two potential huge markets to expand to. Think the World Cup is enough as it's where tier one, two and three all meet up. In between they could organise more tier mixture games to help uplift experiences for the leaser tier teams.

Hopefully the invited teams will expand to more than two...

“Set to begin in 2026, the new elite competition will feature all the Six Nations Rugby and Sanzaar teams, with two spaces reserved for invitational unions to join the southern hemisphere group.

“A transparent selection process will be managed by Sanzaar, supported by World Rugby and the international rugby players, to determine these two invitational unions.”

The statement confirmed the new tournament would take place in alternating years, outside of the British and Irish Lions tours and the four-yearly Rugby World Cup.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/int ... ompetition

Will the 6N and RC teams be exempt from promotion and relegation?

What happens if a 6N or RC team is relegated? My understanding is that their RC and 6N position is uneffected