NORTH SOUTH DIVIDE? | SIX NATIONS VETO QATAR DEAL

Is there anything in rugby that everyone can agree on? A development with the proposed Nations Championship which starts in 2026. The finals weekend looks like it will not be hapening in Qatar after reports that the Six Nations have rejected an £800m deal which SANZAR were keen to push through. Lots to discuss.

[@EggchasersRugby]

One important point I forgot to make in the video! I think that the reason World Rugby came up with this Nations Championship format at all is because they have ZERO ownership of Six Nations and Rugby Championship, which are both owned and run by those countries independent of World Rugby. I'd guess they HATE that as they can't control or monetise them. The Nations Championship puts them in control. Rightly or wrongly and for better or worse. My best guess anyway. Thanks for watching!

[@joshuaowen6185]

I would double check that. The top tier of the nations championship is being left to be run by the 6N and SANZAAR. They are in control of the top tier and receive the income. Which has also raised the questions on if one got relegated, would the relegated team still receive payment as their group still runs it.

[@jukeseyable]

why does everything have to be about money. Why does rugby have to grow and change, why cant those that love rugby just have a game of rugby, if you dont like it, but do like tennis, then dont watch, watch tennis

[@occitaniejemesouviens7508]

Jamais les français ne rentreront dans la combine .

[@timoborri298]

And gowing the game my ass. Qatar would add close to 0 to the game. Give matches to 2nd and 3rd tier nations, that would grow the game.

[@fmacclure]

Instead of every second year, maybe once every 4 years on the opposite cycle of the World Cup might be a nice sweet spot

[@VictorDodon]

Fuck the petrol money. The Qatar football cup was shit, don't bring that into the rugby.

[@markdowhy3717]

It was a great tournament actually 😂

[@Metal0maniac98]

@@markdowhy3717 that tournament was full of corruptions & refereeing scandals. Not to mention how Qatar got that WC & how the stadiums were made. The only persons who thinks that tournament was great are argentinian fans, Messi fans and thats pretty much it lol. Now Qatar don't know how to use their big empty stadiums because they are a shady plastic country with no sports teams and now they beg any big sports organisations like World Rugby to use them and do some "Sports washing". Like the OP said Fuck Petrol/Gas Money and Rugby should stay the hell away from those countries.

[@Metal0maniac98]

@@markdowhy3717 a "great tournament" plagued by corruptions, refereeing scandals and other awful things prior to any ball being kicked but ok lol. Only argentinians and Messi fans liked that awful WC. What the OP said is just pure fact!

[@thabangaugustinehlalele]

But you happy to pour their petrol in your car. Talk about a hypocrite. Anyway the Qatar world cup was fantastic.

[@thabangaugustinehlalele]

​@@Metal0maniac98oh a Ronaldo fan still hurting

[@Metal0maniac98]

Pretty happy to learn this. Rugby must stay away from shady Petrol countries like Qatar and should instead grow the game in other countries in South America, Europe, Africa & Asia.

[@jukeseyable]

totally, nasty bunch of nasty folks over there Saud butchering political dissidents, no womens right, seriously would female players have to play the game in long trousers as they shure dont half mind flashing those ankles of theirs

[@simbamaringa837]

Grow the game with what money?

[@jukeseyable]

@@simbamaringa837 same money, distribute it differently. have a WC centered on georgia but share it out amongst neighbouring countries, and it would still be geographically close to the 6 nations fans to attend, romania is also close buy

[@Metal0maniac98]

@@simbamaringa837 World Rugby's money since they clearly ain't poor lol. You introduce local competitions in different continents to make the game way more popular and if those countries get really good introduce them in the Six Nations or Rugby Championship. On the long term with the World Cup being a lot more competitive, it will give them Billions easily like the Football one. It just make sense! No need to have dirty money from Qatar.

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

Considering the USA is hosting the 2031 RWC, grow the game there! But definitely South America!

[@benpiek4428]

I'm from SA, and happy this deal went dead....

[@Hiltok]

I'm an Aussie and Rugby Australia are desperately short of money and I too am glad this is not going ahead. Once you sell your integrity, it's gone forever.

[@Camcolito]

@@Hiltok Well said.

[@jamesbester7520]

Agree with the comments here. Don’t believe in this deal.

[@garethsimpson9821]

agreed, this is short term money for what? No game growth, tarnishing the record of the game, diminishing the WC. Makes no sense.

[@GuildeVision]

@@HiltokThanks France and Ireland for that. Glad they said no.

[@BsamohT228]

Integrity > Qatar Money Thanks god Rugby is not as corrupt as FIFA yet, we need to make sure it stays that way.

[@henryburton6529]

Couldn’t agree more

[@celticlofts]

Then we should support Ireland and France's objections to it. They seem to be the only "big" teams who are opposing it.

[@henryburton6529]

@@celticlofts I do support them. Keep that filthy oil money out of our sport.

[@dreammaker9642]

They both corrupt, rugby just has less money thrown at it lol, why do you think WR keeps making laws to advantage weaker 6 nations teams rather than give more opportunities to other European teams that perform.

[@dreammaker9642]

@@celticloftscause they don’t need the money and don’t want another quarter final to lose

[@tiaanpretorius9491]

I am from SA, we don't need this. Will dilute tests\tours and the Rugby World Cup.

[@jukeseyable]

yes pal, lions matches, and the autum internationals, Now your part of the URC, we were hoping to see more of you guys, not less. We need to sell more beer, and we cant do it without you been in the right country, on the right continant.🤣

[@celticlofts]

I'm Irish and I 100% agree with you - It's all about World Rugby trying to financially profit from it.

[@jukeseyable]

@@celticlofts bill effing beaumont wants a pay rise! typical english, never enough, always wanting more. solidarity from Wales

[@nawzadhogan5130]

Thank god for Ireland and France, I don't want world rugby monetising the six nations, ticket prices would go from 50€ min to 200€ min, I don't want a final in Qatar, it's going to cost a fortune to go and Qatar's money is filthy, I don't want to exclude the teams out of the top 12 and I don't want to devalue the world cup.

[@dreammaker9642]

Thing is france and Ireland refused cause they don’t need the money their clubs aren’t going bankrupt and let’s face it they won’t win. That being said why not make it for clubs, like a clubs World Cup or replace the smaller champion ship with that. Rather than have them spread over months months on end and other leagues have it World Cup style over a month. Clubs getting relegated can go play there and get a pay check to keep the doors open. As much as I am disinterested in English clubs I don’t want to see them go so I wouldn’t be opposed to that.

[@garethsimpson9821]

@@dreammaker9642 Hold on, I think every team could do with the sort of money reportedly on offer...what a weird thing to say. So instead you want to flog clubs more? nonsense, clubs schedules are already packed. I support the URC and what it to be the pinnacle for regular club competition for my team (Leinster). I think the world club idea is rediculous...rugby is going the way of cricket. Too many games and money focused in a small group only.

[@dreammaker9642]

@@garethsimpson9821 well buddy unfortunately in the adult world to keep your doors open you need money. So if you have a few billions laying around then give them to clubs else some will close doors. My teams are doing fine so I don’t care and you can change the schedules same way URC did, the whole point of URC was SA teams were tired of the hassle of traveling across the world like that for little money. Super Rugby refused a raise so they left for URC and now URC is far more competitive, everyone is getting paid and Super Rugby kinda died cause they wanted to be greedy.

[@Tereyoc]

​@@dreammaker9642so that will fix everything by getting money off an outfit that killed thousands building the football stadiums for that world cup. It is not Irelands fault that money sugar daddys are leaving rugby clubs in England.

[@readesiun988]

Well for you that you can even buy six nation tickets, always sold out on ticket master before it even goes live. Have not been able to buy a ticket, except for the Italian for over 30 years. Same as the November tests against tier 1 nations, all gone before they go on sale

[@conneltheunissen2997]

No it will kill the importance of the World Cup

[@EggchasersRugby]

This is my main concern also.

[@MeanAzz_13]

Agree, if they win, Irish fans will say it's better than the W.C!

[@hellcocktimes154]

importance of the world cup? with 15 amateur teams who dont even belong in these wc, losing by 80points all their games...yes so important and fair....

[@tobymacdonald-brown8906]

@@hellcocktimes154the only countries that often lose by that margin are Namibia, Romania, USA and Chile. The last World Cup was great since Portugal got their first win, Samoa almost beat England, Fiji beat Australia and Georgia showed solid improvement. It is important for the growth of the game

[@Leon-ph7br]

@@hellcocktimes154 So what exactly is your argument? We need another tournament with 12 top teams earning more money? Or are you saying we should exclude the "amateur teams" and not allow them into the World Cup? What is fair? Should we give them starting/handicap points so they have a chance? What is your point?

[@LaChartre]

Average Saudi Pro League attendance is 8000, and that’s football - the biggest sport in the world. Imagine how tiny the rugby game attendances would be. The Middle East doesn’t want to build their own sports, they want to import everyone else’s.

[@dreammaker9642]

You realise most stadiums in Europe have like 4-5k capacity 😂

[@LaChartre]

@@dreammaker9642 yes, it’s tragic.

[@dreammaker9642]

@@LaChartre doesn’t really matter tho, they make money through the tv rights and advertising. That being said they should make the offer to clubs, rather than have two championship maybe have a wc style tournament every once in a while so clubs struggling financially can get a nice pay check

[@Frostysensei_za]

No thank you, keep your money Qatar

[@ruidean72]

OK we will. Maybe an exciting sport like Rugby League would love the money and exposure instead.

[@alcoyne3333333333333]

Well done Ireland 🇮🇪 and France 🇫🇷

[@dreammaker9642]

Cause they the two with sht loads of money so they don’t really care. That being said they should make the offer to clubs, rather than replace the lower championship with this. Then struggling clubs can get a nice paycheque and people will watch it.

[@grantnicol9580]

Well Done for what? Virtue Signaling?

[@decmurray1096]

​@@grantnicol9580 It's called having principals. Qatar are paying for legitimacy, and unlike the filthy fifa, we shouldn't lend it to them. I boycotted the football WC and I will boycott the rugby WC if its held there. I'm very happy we're taking a stand.

[@davidoleary764]

What a load of waddle. Irfu were under severe pressure during covid. Still haven't fully recovered. ​@@dreammaker9642

[@jackdeegan3617]

​@@grantnicol9580Virtue signaling!. How so?.

[@vincenthead-thomas6927]

Good ! Bless the French and the Irish on going against it !! Players have already a lot going on, let them rest. There are plenty of competitions already. Dont wanna see the players getting injured just for generating money. Lets not kill the sport - and encourage sportswashing while we're at it !

[@seanofarrell8896]

I'm happy to . The rich will get richer that's the problem and lower tiers get feck all

[@nickeybotha2155]

After the Olympics opening ceremony I am inclined to disagree with ANYTHING France says frankly plus they are corrupt🤣

[@TD-xt1vh]

​@@nickeybotha2155 every nation is corrupt

[@shintenkai1648]

​@@TD-xt1vh not every nation turns the olympic opening ceremony into a gay pride fashion show

[@dannyarcher6370]

Both are tired of Arabs.

[@jakehyland5317]

Good, there is A LOT of sports washing going from Qatar, UAE etc. I know it’s bad for the game, the lack of funds coming in but these are countries with horrific human rights violations, and taking this would on enable them & show that rugby is fine with that

[@stevenwortrich6014]

To be avoided at all costs, it would a prostitution of the game, which rugby doesn't need.

[@markdowhy3717]

Human rights violations happen everywhere not just Middle East

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

You successfully regurgitated all the western media PR talking points ... congratulations on being a well trained sheep.

[@ProTantoQuid]

The whole notion started with a power grab by World Rugby; and proceeded with a prestige grab by the Oil Mob. The thing that has been ignored in all of this is the subordination of player welfare.

[@iansinclair7581]

Have nothing to do with corrupt money.

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

Corrupt money? It's coming from Qatari oil ... not from London - the biggest money laundering capital in the world ...

[@ruidean72]

@@LittleBigMediaCo Yes, so true, and it is not Qatari Oil, it is their Gas Reserves. Qatari money is corrupt money, but European and American money is clean.... wow

[@sooperdooperfc9103]

Almost 100k well done!! Fully deserved!

[@ReaperZA-mu2sn]

To be honest the first time I heard of this my immediate reaction was what a stupid idea , and I still think its a stupid idea!

[@ruidean72]

Well, you do follow a stupid, backward, boring and broke sport like Rugby Union. So, nothing new there.

[@mrwelshmun]

How are players going to cope with so many tournaments? Six nations, rugby championship, Urc, Heineken Cup, premiership, lions tours, rugby World Cup, proposed club World Cup, proposed nations championship. To me the only the way it fits it into the wider picture is if seconds teams playing to develop teams for bigger tournaments. To be honest, the whole thing sounds like a bad idea to me

[@ds-cx5yo]

Tbf international games are already played in the test windows where the nation’s championship will be taking place

[@fredlenz4743]

Good, finally someone has had the guts to tell the powers to stick it up where the sun don't shine.

[@RugbyfirstEnglishsecond]

Another point is that fans would have to travel, pricing out all but the rich. Qatar pulled a fast one at the Olympics by pretending to allow Budweiser to supply beer, then banned it just before the tournament. Rugby without beer, unthinkable.

[@EggchasersRugby]

That is a really strong point actually. I know most fans would have to travel regardless if it was held in one country, but that's certainly valid for a native population, given it could be spread around over time.

[@Camcolito]

Imagine having to travel somewhere where the population thinks you're decadent and sinful and completely opposed to your values to play a game they don't understand in front of them for money.

[@77erich]

@@EggchasersRugbyimagine a RWC without beer or brandy 🤢

[@tallshort1849]

Great point!

[@anthonyswann9167]

​@@77erichhappen in France

[@jonathanwilson3254]

Qatar should develop a tournament around 2nd / 3rd tier nations with a 2 up 2 down relegation system. Please just leave top-tier nations out of it. In this way, 2nd/3rd tier nations will have the financial resources to build their clubs/national teams to eventually seriously challenge top-tier nations in the Rugby World Cup.

[@timgregory82]

Rugby can grow value in the game by going back to the past in a modern way. Proper tours again (two tests are not that) connecting with the grassroots and local culture, taking some of the big historic rivalries into new contexts. A Lions test for example in the US.

[@dreammaker9642]

A lions test in the US? Nah it needs to be competitive the US will get smashed 100-0, have a tour in Argentina they deserve it

[@sammacculloch446]

Nz play Ireland in the states soon and are going to go back to tours in S.A playing clubs and tests...

[@ruidean72]

Test series are very elitist and boring. Again only diehard rugby fans would want to watch it. It would not help emerging nations in rugby. What you need is money and exposure in Asia. That is where the money is. Most Americans don't follow Rugby and never will.

[@timgregory82]

​@@ruidean72what is elitist about tours. They go to small towns and spread the game. Tours can go to Asia also

[@ruidean72]

@@timgregory82 Well for example British Lions tours. They only go to NZ, Australia or South Africa to play Test Matches. And the Test Matches are always in the bigger cities or stadiums. Yes they have play warm up games during the tour, but they are just warm up games to allow the reserves a full game or two. All I am saying is the old-style Tours were always only between the Big Teams, and they were boring best of 3 test matches. The elitist or Stronger Unions would always ignore smaller rugby playing countries and just play each other. While the weaker countries at the time, like Italy, The Pacific Island nations, rest of Europe and Asia and other African nations and even Argentina and other South American nations never got a chance to at least play the bigger nations. With international format we have now, it is better for development of Rugby. And I say that as a Football and Rugby League fan who finds Rugby Union very boring to watch.

[@filippofortini6803]

Wouldn't that make the world Cup obsolete? Kudos to the N hemisphere

[@EggchasersRugby]

I have the exact same concern

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

Does the European Cup Football obsolete the Football World Cup??

[@supersox31]

@@LittleBigMediaCofalse equivalence. The Euros is only European teams, while the WC is teams from across the world. The difference in practice between the rugby World Cup and this nations championship is???

[@jimbojonesporfavor]

Only Ireland and France didn't want it not the 'Northern Hemisphere"

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

@@supersox31 And this tournament would also be select teams, not the whole world ... get the geographical blinkers off and you'll see the equivalence is perfectly valid. But that would also require you look at it without your preformulated opinion ... which is obviously never going to happen.

[@Hiltok]

Rugby has put so much effort into promoting itself as a truly inclusive sport and its greatest growth is in the women's game. If they had gone ahead with the mid-east money grab, they would be signalling to the world that rugby could be bought like any other sport. "Rugby values" would then mean what exactly? It's pro sport and money matters, but businesses that lose their core values don't last.

[@sabbuofggh1629]

😆 🤣 Euorpeans talking about values. Your Values are drinking and stealing other people's resources.

[@kenrehill8775]

Good. Grow the effing game in Spain, Portugal and South America.

[@robertfridjhon550]

I'm with you on this, Tim!! As a pedant who loves 5-day Test cricket; i fear that rugby is going to go the IPL route and ruin rugby!!!

[@thomasmeehan2911]

Playing and being a spectator in the heat would be unbearable

[@Camcolito]

Playing a sport in front of people who don't understand it and think they are superior to you for money, pretty low.

[@iainbeattie2970]

This is an IRB power grab using dodgy money to lure countries to comply. (As a Scot I am embarrassed by SRU and their money at all costs attitude, monies which they spend on their salaries rather than developing club game).Ireland and England touring were compelling viewing- Scotland Italy Argentina played against developing nations which was great. The 6N is brilliant, huge audiences, and fans travel. I think we need to give top players more time off, so enough is enough. Just bin this competition.

[@EggchasersRugby]

The SRU boss gets a lovely pay rise and a nice new car though 😉

[@iainbeattie2970]

Well Tim there is s vacancy for CEO. of SRU -Do you not fancy it 🤷‍♂️

[@GuildeVision]

Top 14 final in 2016 was in Barcelona because of Euro 2016 in the same time. Huge success. People came from all Spain to watch this. I agree with you about finals in Tier 2 countries. (If it can’t takes place in the 12 countries of the competition).

[@abescheepers]

I think for rugby to grow Bill Beaumont and his old cronies has to be ousted, and new fresh blood with new ideas and better management skills introduced with also a more modern view for rugby on the whole, will do a world of good in my opinion. ( Farrell & Erasmus for Presidents...ha, ha)

[@agerestricted9932]

Been to qatar 3 times. Boring place. Nothing going on. No atmosphere. Would be a dead tournament.

[@jimmyobrien8738]

If it's so boring why did you go back twice

[@Camcolito]

@@jimmyobrien8738 He probably had to go there because all the other sports have whored themselves out already.

[@vtvt6656]

@@jimmyobrien8738 Always check twice. Just to be sure. You didn't know that ? 😁

[@Caledon1893]

That's for covering this. I'd love to see more structure in the game and Tier 2 sides given regular tests against tier 1. It can't be Scotland, Italy and Japan and Argentina that bear the responsibility alone for playing tier 2 teams regularly. However, the main issue is playing the comp in a slave state. 6000 dead slaves built the stadiums the games will be played in.

[@stephen-369]

It's ironic, we hear so much about saying no to all kinds of racism and inequality (quite right to) before six nations and world cup games and they want to deal with a country that has terrible human rights etc... the people in charge of world rugby need to look at themselves and ask why are we even contemplating this idea.

[@vertz1984]

Couldn’t have said it better👏

[@jean-pascalesparceil9008]

Quatar, hosting world sporting events and terrorist organisations....

[@LoonyLife]

So well said !

[@IgnusVermaak]

couldn't agree more

[@KZAoneful]

This is tricky, no doubt. But what I would love to see is that instead of the Barbarians at the end of the November tours they should have a North 15 vs South 15 exhibition style match. Now that would be something to watch.

[@andreduplessis9465]

I dont understand world rugby's obsession with the USA.

[@ciaranbrk]

It's the biggest market in the world if you can get America interested in a sport you have a global reach due to the power of their Media

[@Switll72]

Its all about Money !!! Its a huge Market but is it the right Market ???? F1 has become a worse since they started bending the knee trying to accommodate the US, but as usual money is "KING" who cares about the Sport !?!?!?!

[@thomaslequesne5475]

Quite proud of France for refusing to be honest. Our sporting instances often aren't very regarding as to where the money is coming from. Much of rugby's image comes from its values. No amount of money (and it is a lot) is worth losing that.

[@GBH001]

I would like to know what France’s reason for refusing before they start to recieve praise.

[@Camcolito]

Qataris and Saudis already own Paris though!

[@thomaslequesne5475]

@@Camcolito they do own a lot, which is why I was positively surprised.

[@Camcolito]

@@thomaslequesne5475 Yes I agree with the French decision. I am glad that Ireland and our French brothers went the right way! Love the French, you crazy assholes! ;)

[@kenrehill8775]

@@GBH001principles? They still have some. And they don’t need the money. They have serious billionaires lobbing money in and the best club league in the world.

[@Natedawg38]

Ah yes Qatar. A mecca of rugby.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Haha.

[@ianwalter62]

@@EggchasersRugby Saying "haha" is blinkered thinking. Rugby is a global sport, in a globe with instant streaming communication/viewing. It needs to go forward, not block anything the T14 doesn't like.

[@garethsimpson9821]

@@ianwalter62 no it needs to develop properly, Qatar is not a potentially big market. Why focus on there when the US/Americas would be and already is a better rugby market. Qatar aint doing this to follow rugby...they couldn't give two shits about rugby, its sport washing.

[@matsvineyard7564]

@@ianwalter62 Going forward means vetoing anything to do with corrupt Qatar. Take your blinkers off mate. Zero human rights.

[@conneltheunissen2997]

Good comment about"slice of pie". Guess who would get the largest slice. Not rugby but thAdministrators who will grow THEIR OWN POCKETS.

[@5PRINGB0K]

Always so insightful. Love your work Tim. Almost at 100k.

[@jaysonmccarthy8273]

what about 6 nations champ v rugby championship winners?

[@ciaranbrk]

That's only a one-off game. You can make a lot more money with the top three or four teams playing each other more consistently.

[@anchorpoint5871]

Money like in football is a menace for the spirit of our beloved rugby game .

[@Camcolito]

Money has already destroyed football absolutely. Clubs are just cheap brands now.

[@mikerobertson7082]

I’d like more focus on the tier two nations tbh… we need paths to let these nations compete more often with tier 1. For me that feels like a two tier FIVE or SIX nations, with promotion and relegation between the 2 x 5/6nations groups in the north, including USA and Canada. AND similar in the south with APAC, Latam and ANZAC and south sea in that structure. The World Cup can still then be the pinnacle but we’ll see an ever closing quality gap

[@elfmackelfmack]

The other part I feel you miss is that of player safety and well being. These extra tournaments and games could potentially have an impact of their playing careers and longevity. Higher risk, lack of recovery times etc. Lastly I would also be concerned for the control of the sport by Qatar and the money men as they could pull another LIV golf scam and pull players into a league away from the traditional rugby event calendar by throwing cash at them.

[@EggchasersRugby]

A fair concern/criticism.

[@anthonyryan30]

These summer tours for the 6 Nations would be along the lines of Buenos Aires, Melbourne and Tokyo in consecutive weeks. Absolute madness!

[@donalfarrell4922]

France and Ireland are totally in order to reject this notion. When a sport becomes about money it is no longer a sport, it is a business.

[@richardmaclean6738]

Rugby must not be involved in sports washing!

[@robertfridjhon550]

Absolutely agree with you!!! Look at what IPL has done to cricket!!!

[@stephenvincent2147]

Relegation and promotion in the 6 Nations and Rugby Championship would be a start. Georgia, Portugal, Fiji, and Samoa definitely deserve a chance in these competitions.

[@ciaranbrk]

That's not going to happen because each of the teams in the Six Nations is a shareholder.

[@stephenvincent2147]

@@ciaranbrk Yes, I know. Maybe, if they can be persuaded that it will ultimately grow the game and, therefore, create extra revenue streams, they might be tempted.

[@vincentboeswillwald9076]

100% aligned with everything you said. keep up your amazing work :) congratulations from France

[@jamestaylor3855]

You mentioned NFL earlier in the piece and what I would like to see is the URC expand the club game. Currently we have Scot / Italian section of the league 4 teams / 4 x S.A teams / 4 x Wales Teams / 4 x Ireland teams. They could expand it into the emerging nations have 4 teams in North America, 4 teams in south America and then 4 other European teams from Georgia, Spain, Portugal and Romania. Drew it like the NFL where you play your division home and away and then some teams from other divisions home or away. Then go into play offs and a Super Bowl equivalent at a pre determined stadium each season . This would help to develop the tier 2 nations, interest in Rugby in these nations and in the long term help to develop players for national teams. I do think this international concept is again lining the pockets of the top tier nations and not developing the game in other areas of the world. I totally agree that we want to go to world cups with more than just a couple of teams able to win it and it always been the same teams. World Rugby just work in 4 year cycles and don't look at the bigger picture of the game.

[@Oakeybloke]

How many people are going to Qatar to watch rugby??! Especially on a regular basis...

[@leeevans9701]

no deal with qater ,human rights ,petrol money ,more ads ,less control

[@tallshort1849]

And no beer

[@johansenekal1319]

I also think the World Cup in USA will be really good for rugby itself. The attendance will be enormous. The T20 Cricket World Cup in USA earlier this year was a enormous success and stadiums were jamm packed every single game. This will be a huge booster for many Americans to adopt rugby and give it a go!!

[@johanvanzyl8479]

Thanks for this discussion. Too much rugby and injuries for the moment. BUT this can be entertaining and good for the 2nd tier not in 6 nations/ championship? Even at a much reduced purse.

[@lazykeoh12]

Fuck that. Bullshit deal. Six Nations bang on. 👏👏👏

[@paulmccormack293]

in 20 or 30 years time ,as an ireland fan,i wonder could we be part of the group of ten that could potentialy win a tournament,or will we be quaterfinalist :)

[@EggchasersRugby]

😂😂😂 dream big

[@timoborri298]

Money Money Money. World Rugby will destroy the game if they continue to put money above all. Happy about any such deal that doesn't go through.

[@craigsweetnam4496]

Thanks for the coverage egg. Not mad about though mate.

[@TheBliksempie]

In my opinion the format is not practical. It should not be a national format but rather a regional format like Africa, Australasia, Europe, Asia and South America. This would grow players and unions.

[@randomlyfactual1943]

Africa has such a cup, called the Rugby Africa Cup. Most successful side has been Namibia and current holders are Zimbabwe. The Springboks, for obvious reasons, don't participate. You can only watch so many 180-0 scorelines against semi-pro or amateur teams before changing the channel. We do send teams from time to time, but it's not even an A side, it's usually an amateur side (that usually ends up winning when they enter).

[@spancherBob]

I absolutely agree with you! These thoughts need to be put into the heads of the World Rugby leaders. This tournament in Qatar and this money would have further increased the gap in level between the top teams and all the rest. Growing the game does not mean increasing the income of the top unions, but developing rugby in the rest of Europe, in the Americas, supporting the island nations of the Pacific. World Rugby has turned the pyramid upside down. The basis of all rugby is the clubs. This is the main place of work of the players, where they are paid a salary so that they can live and play. And World Rugby pays most attention only to the top of the pyramid - the national teams. The top rugby unions must grow their opponents so that the game becomes truly global. And in this way, rugby will slide to the level of ice hockey.

[@twalsh51]

You touched on some good points but I agree with Ireland and France refusing to partake. The only ones wanting the new set up are those countries that are broke and need the money. Look what happened to snooker when it was over played. Too much rugby will cause problems demeaning the sport. If its not broken don't try to fix it.

[@elizabethleesimpson1077]

the best commentary by you! Good man!!!

[@ericoflynn8734]

Tim, how can you talk about Qatar and completely ignore their human rights record and culture?? It can't be ignored or sportswashed like Fifa did. Rugby is better than that, I hope!

[@steph333-w6u]

Love all these points. Totally agree emphasis should be on growing the game. Under no circumstances should we sell rugby to Quatar! There has to be a better Venuse and more transparent avenue to making money even if it means a bit less cash.

[@brendangahan6785]

Don't think it would have been the best idea. But what would be great is a Southern Hemisphere version of the Lions. Would only be every 4 years, and great to see what NZ SA AUS and the others combined teams could do.

[@EggchasersRugby]

That's a v interesting idea!

[@daggaboom]

Who would they play though? The world champions? 9/10 times that's themselves

[@jameswyatt4443]

@@daggaboomThe Lions

[@timgregory82]

From nz, im not a fan of a southern hemisphere version of the lions. The teams individually are strong and don't have a combined identity like the British and Irish. A pacific team with aotearoa and the pacific islands would be cool, and I'm sure other interesting ideas could emerge for SA Aus etc

[@benpiek4428]

That would be awesome!! You should go run WR!

[@PhillipDawson10]

Only reason it is not as corrupt as football, is that it is not all controlled by one main body. We need to grow the game, build up the nations that is emerging. In 2023, the number of registered rugby players went up (according to WikiPedia) from 5.82million to 8.4 million. I attribute this to the success of the RWC in France and the buzz created by it. This 'tournament' would devalue that. Easy money is not the way to go. Build rivalries, improve the level for more nations and make it more competitive. Show the benefit of playing rugby, and how it improves mental and physical wellbeing. Playing and working in a team. Never giving up. Respect !!! Just some of the cornerstones that make it the best sport (ps, I love cricket as well, but that is a discussion for another forum :))) I aggree with all the points that you raise Tim. Keep up the good work

[@9502937]

Spot on. We need to be thinking long term, and if you want to bring money in long term, the focus now should be on growing the game in the USA leading up to 2031. I’m a first generation Irish-American, and I can’t even find a youth league to put my kids in living in the suburbs of a huge American city.

[@Camcolito]

Make your own!

[@Coconautify]

Agree with you mate... Rugby needs better strategic planning from the governing body.

[@onlookervb]

Glad it's not happening in Qatar I can't afford to travel there for games every year or two, just alternate north/south every time

[@GBH001]

Maybe that is the reason for France refusing it? They want to monopolise the finals weekend in France maybe?

[@Hatunrumioc]

I speculate but geopolitics may have had an effect. Qatar harbours Hamas leadership and has been in trouble with the other gulf states for sponsoring terrorism. Who knows. It was the EU countries that scuttled it

[@Edgycoo]

I think what we all want though, is a series with the top teams so that we dont end up with these meaningless, kind of, internationals and the rugby world cup whos format is not any good at finding the worlds best. A series with the top two NH teams and the top 2 SH teams or something similar, where we play MULTIPLE games in a series to get the true victor would be fantastic.

[@johnphelan6623]

Having been head coach of one of the more prominent rugby nations within Asia Rugby for a number of years and being currently based in Dubai, I probably need to be a little bit careful here 😅 I was also heavily involved in the GIR (Get into rugby) programme during and after rio, I absolutely support any promotion of the game in emerging nations. Qatar is NOT one and has almost no rugby tradition or history - or future ambitions as such, for that matter. It has other ulterior motives for being involved, which we all know... 😢 Agree with you, Tim, wholeheartedly.... and agree that you shouldn't have really brought it up during RWC24 so as not to allow it much PR traction on your platform. It's not "it" and fair play to France and my own home nation Ireland 😊

[@ryanbevan3488]

Absolutely spot on! World Rugby is simply not fit for purpose far too concerned with lining their own pockets or their fellow mates in the old boys clubs at other unions. They have no interest in actually growing the game which is evident by the nations championship which basically locks out the tier 2 nations from ever competing. At a time when the gap should be closing between tier 1 and tier 2 nations it is only going to get bigger.

[@corcaigh]

To hell with the LIV rugby equivalent with their greasy petrodollars. If there was going to be another series of games, I'd much prefer to see a Northern v Southern Hemisphere clash every two/four years, something like the Rydercup, that would be open to the top players in all countries North and South and where there is already a long-lived rivalry. How many people would tune in to see that?

[@tvpc3194]

Any vid on the urc viewing figures ?

[@xmun2450]

this was a stupid idea from the start it should be a champions league of rugby so the top club teams playing together , I want to see the Blues at full strength play Leinster... Toulouse play the Brumbies for example , we already have these matchups lets see a champions league of club teams, and have it played in the USA now that would grow the game , you could have it in a different country every year , that would grow the game

[@InsanelyIrish]

I genuinely despise these oil run states getting involved in sports and trying to take the sports to their country. I don't like that idea of selling rugby as just a commercial entity. If course the money is great but let's not pretend the money would be well spent by the participants unions or world rugby.

[@ukkbiguy]

Totally agree with you.

[@Kasunagi]

i typically dont care about where something is held, just who is participating, but putting rugby in a place with no big rugby sides or interest is a completely stupid idea. yes the money is nice, we can all agree on that at least, but it means nothing if it doesnt go to the clubs in desperate need of it then theres the issue of the world cup, its the absolute pinnacle of the sport and shouldnt be devalued at all. would i like to see more rugby? yes, but not at the cost of the greatest event in rugby

[@EggchasersRugby]

Very balanced view - agree entirely

[@hankgoldenshaft]

Good idea, and hopefully the players would have reaped a chunk of the financial rewards. BTW the NLF has their version of a World Cup every YEARLY.

[@giteausuperstar]

This is a strong show of integrity from the Europeans. We don’t want or need their money.

[@terryclarke4177]

Sympathetic to good rugby, not chasing the coin! Good on France and Ireland

[@boru1982]

Most rugby fans I know would be against this mainly because the lack of trust in World Rugby, different RFUs, and decision makers of domestic leagues around the world being at an all time low in my opinion. Nobody trusts World Rugby to grow the game. Nobody believed the French and English leagues when they hijacked the Heineken cup to demand 'meritocracy', to promote a 2nd tier competition that everybody knew there'd be no effort to make happen etc, that resulted in a competition that is a shadow of its former self. Everybody knew it was about power and money, just as they know this new competition is about power and money (which btw I can't see the appeal whatsoever). Maybe if they replaced Japan with a country that deserves to be in there it might be a start.

[@aaronmackey4355]

I agree that rugby needs to focus on developing the game in the smaller nation. In Ireland, every rugby player at every level, pass & present always did what was best for the game.

[@randomlyfactual1943]

Scanning through the comments, there are some points raised and I might be able to answer some of the issues: 1) Most Tier 1 teams have an international calender of 13 test matches. Even during World Cup years, it stays at 13. The unions are too robust to trifle with - should a competition like this get off the ground, it would mean a reduction in the year's tour schedule. Player welfare will most likely not be affected. 2) Should the international calender now require more matches, that would mean that bigger squads can be selected. Given the financial boon, this should be possible in theory 3) Attendance at these matches would be a problem. Football in the Arabian leagues don't draw all that much. Rugby would probably not even touch those numbers. Is playing in front of empty stadiums worth the money? 4) Regarding detracting from the world cup, it doesn't detract in football. You have the continental championship happening at overlapping intervals with the World Cup and they are well supported in all the major markets. 5) Qatar is definitely not as bad as Saudi Arabia in terms of human rights violations, but they have been known to silence free speech and wage theft is common towards immigrant workers. So it doesn't make me feel quite as icky, but still kind of icky. 6) the rumoured civil steps that SANZAAR can initiate against the Six Nations would be contractual. They >>might

[@Straightdeal]

I agree with you. Too much of a good thing just ain't good any longer.

[@barrylucy1969]

I’m with you, grow the Tier 2’s, European cup, as with football, that guarantees tier 2’s into the quarter finals with prize for highest scoring team being 7th nation for the following 2 years? Similar Southern nation’s cup maybe?

[@taraishot100]

The Super Bowl of rugby will be a 3 game series every year between the North and south, Six nations vs the rugby championship, imagine a mixed team selection between the Sanzaar nations team that would a dream

[@abumstead1219]

You make a valid point on scarcity & WR grabbing all the money now. I compare this with English Cricket selling out to Sky and now there is NO Test-cricket on terrestrial tv so the young dont have any real experience of Test matches to watch and become dedicated fans of. So the numbers of spectators will progressively drop & so will Sky’s audience too. Short- termism!

[@Wide-eye]

Our traditional rugby like 6 Nations, Rugby Championship, LionTours, Autumn Tests, Summer Tours, WCup and new tours by NZ to SA and vice versa are all thrilling. Let it stay this way ! Qatar will dilute W Cup.

[@arthurfaulkner4239]

I'm so glad this isn't going through. Enough sports have slave-state oil money seeping into them, let's show a bit of integrity.

[@brucecurtin4534]

The last thing we need is make the June/July internationals window to be part of a bigger championship. No more games against tier 2 nations and player fatigue and making every international a championship game will suck the flair and innovation out of the game. I hope Rassie decides to send the Springbok B-team to this Championship and save the main team for the tournaments that matter

[@unikittythegamer4515]

I get the need to have a platform that opens Rugby up to a wider audience, but not sure that this was it.

[@andresullivan6473]

Andre from south africa i agree with you. Grow the game rather then over playing the players my take is no

[@creightonattorneysgauteng2228]

Many ways to structure it, and benefit Rugby

[@vuyaniman9440]

What would have been the purpose of the World Cup then and the ultimate world championship.

[@ryanalessi2921]

Agree with your point about the tournament where ever it is held could dilute the meaning of the Rugby World Cup. Although if it’s anything like football/soccer Nations League that tournament is seen as a sideshow. If you gotta do a tournament, put it in South or North America. All Blacks just visited San Diego and Americans went crazy paying $87 a ticket for nosebleed seats. 35k sellout in San Diego

[@brentthompson7889]

Same concept but club competition!!! Solves every issue!!!

[@phillipvos1623]

Maybe with cup champions around the world. Not international teams. You don't want to take away from touring test matches and World cups

[@Flo-FAFO]

Go look into the fine print of that deal, teams including tier 1 are only walking away with a small percentage of that prize money.

[@MorgMorg-uf6ps]

Money talks...he who pays the piper, calls the tune...its a double edged sword.