THE TIER TWO SOLUTION | Which SHOULD but WONT Happen

[@karllincoln6859]

World Rugby has been short-sighted, I find that is hard to believe 😮. The plate and shield running midweek would be ideal, we can fill the holes in the viewing schedule, give these t2 nation players a platform to develop, and with some luck, some t1 contracts. No brainer, really, so of course WR will reject it.

[@trignals]

Agree 💯% with the positive argument. The negative argument is just as strong. Top level rugby is on shakey legs in England, Australia and Wales. There seems to be a misconception that not growing the game equals keeping it at the current size.

[@karllincoln6859]

@trignals World Rugby is there to promote rugby around the world, Australia, England, and Wales are in trouble due to the complete mismanagement of their domestic game. Aussie has always been a nut case union, Wales have never really got their act together while England are just run like amateurs that lost control of the professional game. All three of these unions need to turn themselves around while the T2 unions with some serious help can spread the appeal of the game. I would use the women's game as an example, it is expanding hugely due to resources and professional management. If there is not a change in the men's game, it's just pouring money into a blackhole with no return on investment

[@andrevogel1974]

Agree with you.

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

100% Shield QF,, SF, final on Wednesdays, Plate QF, SF & final on Thursdays, Cup on weekends. More for the TV viewers, more for the live fans, more exposure for the host nation, more exposure for the smaller teams and players, more exposure for the sponsors. I see only wins, no negatives.

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

@@trignalsThe only way rugby wins is if the size of the pie is increased, not by looking after the size of everyone's slice of the current pie. If world rugby believe their scope for growth is limited, while football is ever present showing what is possible, then the problem is the vision of the people running the game of rugby.

[@keirhardy6470]

As a Scotland fan watching Tonga play has turned me into a proper fan of them. In a pool with 3 of the top 5 teams (and poor Romania) theyve shown up to every game and played proper good rugby. Big Ben especially may be my new favourite player, when you see him you just think oh this is a big bastard whose gonna lumber about for 50 mins. But no the guys a real athlete and he ran in tries against us and the almighty springbok defence which not many players can say theyve done. Would love for them and Samoa to get their own teams for super rugby it can only be good for the game.

[@Daywalker685]

Just wished they had a better coach tbh, kefu has done his time and Tonga are in need of someone who understands tonga rugby and hkw they can capitalize into dominators

[@user-Steele42]

I think that's a brilliant idea. There also seems to be loads of supporters of these smaller nations everywhere, so I'm sure they'll get decent attendance. A shield as the prize and world cup qualification and those incentives will make the games highly competitive

[@Blackbeard0456]

The key is in between world cups. I think tier 1 teams should sign up 1 mid week game during summer/autumn tours each year with all proceeds going to tier 2 grass roots development. WR currently committed to £4m for tier 2 teams to improve coaching but this should be increased and expanded to cover wider player development rather than just coaching. Tier 2 teams should organise their own rugby body similar to SANZAR and build their own leagues with World rugby backing them and supporting them with broadcasting rights legal support etc. World cup should follow 7's format for Cup, Shield, Plate knockouts so tier 2 teams can progress. World rugby needs to enforce its rules that club teams cannot prevent players going for international duties. Unions should look to host tier 2 teams to play tier 1 club teams for club competition warm ups just so these teams can get some competitive game time.

[@tcr_tiagy]

I really like the idea of the plate cup and this world cup has shown that you could still fill a big stadium even if with cheaper tickets. But again it would only happens every 4 years. Tier 2 nations need regular matches against tier 1 and that can be either at club level or national team level. Club level would be even more beneficial, like Fiji ans Argentina in Super Rugby, Portugal and Georgia could each have a club team playing at the Guinness Pro Rainbow Cup. That would be incredible for the development of the national teams.

[@andrevogel1974]

When I look at the crowd attendance at games with minnow teams, I am astounded that world rugby does not see the big picture here. It makes absolute sense to consider this proposal for many reasons, but primarily to encourage the expansion of this beautiful game.

[@EoinORiordan]

Love the idea of it, and World rugby is just full of the proverbial.... they manage to pretty much do it every year for u20 world cup. The top tier blazer brigade is all about not letting anyone else get in and share the ever decreasing money rather than grow the game and make it more interesting for fans and sponsors... Completely agree on 3rd v 4th play offs are playing for the automatic qualification for the next world cup.. adds a bit of bite. But then, to save a few weeks accomodation bills, i'd play all 5ths play each other and the 6ths play each other, they can be scheduled on Thursday/Friday to keep interest alive

[@TWSiggins]

Such a great idea and sounds like a no brainer. This happens at 7s/10s tournaments across the globe and even in todays international 7s. It would be one way for rugby to try and uphold and market its "inclusive" and "a game for all" tags too whilst at the same time have the commercial ability to have games on TV for potentially 6 days of the week, which I think is a point you made in an earlier episode about there being a drop off between weekends. Agree with the incentive of automatic qualification for bowl winners and giving those perceived weaker teams something tangible to play for.

[@WellnessWithWarren]

Regarding World Rugby, there thinking is akin to politicians. They only think in 4 year cycles! I totally agree with both of your recommendations. In particular the 4th. And 5th. Placed quarters, semis and final. And I cannot understand why the bigger nations do not make more of an argument for meaningful, legacy based changes to actually happen. Including hosting tests in non traditional Rugby strongholds, against the smaller unions. Great show as always Tim.

[@johnsullivan6059]

i think a start would be that all nations have to qualify like in football, apart from the hosts, fans go to see England vs San Marino.

[@matter509]

The plate finals games could be curtain-raisers for the cup games (same stadium, same day).

[@wjhd6823]

Long term decisions for a brighter future.

[@brianjenningsjinartist8687]

Perhaps a Tier 1 nation could mentor a Tier 2 team? For example, Ireland to mentor Portugal. France could mentor Spain, etc. In their prep Ireland played a practice match against Portugal when they were down there for a week. The Portugal players were delighted and said it really helped them. Even a training week together every few months?

[@harshbutfair8993]

Not a bad idea at all. I was actually wondering what an impact it might have had for the Portuguese lads had to work with the Irish lads.

[@olglez9230]

England invited the Georgia national team to train with them not so long ago, in particular for scrummaging practice. So there's definitely merit to your idea there!

[@djharto4917]

Yes I’ve been saying that for years. Tier 1 should sponsor a tier 2 or 2 tier 2 nation’s.

[@dansimonds7779]

Spot on Tim, A vision for creating a "bigger pie" is exactly what Rugby needs. Unfortunately I fear that neither World Rugby or the RFU/Premiership in England will make changes with that kind of long term view to growing the game. I wonder if the URC would consider a 2nd division with clubs from around Europe and promotion/relegation?

[@harrycowleshc]

I wonder if they simply can't think far enough ahead, they have alot to think about you know, such as . . . head injuries, how racist we all are, how homophobic we all are, how uninclusive we are and of course how to make that money rain.

[@anelfrylinck841]

I so appreciate all your content! You have such a beautiful manner of expressing yourself. With huge respect from South Africa. ❤

[@niallrooneyable]

Well said Tim. You did a pod on this a few months ago. Totally agree. You are right, the attitude of I'm alright Jack prevails. Sad thing about life. Niall

[@JBarreett]

Sounds like a great idea. Some of the tier two games have been incredible. I definitely think a big chunk of money would be recuperated from bums on seats at the games. If we have learned anything from this WC it’s that people are willing to show up for these games and pay for tickets 🇮🇪☘️

[@wernertukker5420]

It’s not just that. TV money will always make far more than tickets and merchandise. If these tier 2 nations citizens, have more access to watch their teams, and knowing there’s a potential to win something, even if not the Big one, people will turn the telly on in their native counties to support their heroes. Same in America.. you don’t have to over take any of the big 4 sports. You only need 1% of them to be fans and have it on Telly like all the other sports. That’s around 35 million fans. Most tier 1 nations don’t even have that many people in their country, let alone rugby fans. And if only 10% of that said fan base actually played, then that’s an active talent pool of around 3,5 million players. It’s Insane the potential that awaits there. But like the other tier 2 nations, the Fat cats in their old suits don’t want to see their nations being taught rugby lessons by the minnows. That’s really it.

[@berjtekerian702]

The plate/shield idea is the absolute best. It worked when we were kids and kept the whole tournament interesting. It will work at the RWC too.

[@lostcarpark]

Agree with everything you say. I think the proposed "world league" will make it even worse, with even fewer opportunities for tier 2 nations to play tier 1 teams. If that goes ahead, there should be a second division for tier 2 teams, with playoffs between the divisions to give teams a chance to advance.

[@andrecombrinck1454]

Fantastic idea. Love your videos, very informative.

[@juanpierrebosch]

I'm getting my Egg of knowledge for the day :) Man, I'm still waiting on the camper renting business info you used, Egg. That camper was epic class. I'm inspired by your camping around France, I'll love to do this in need of the future. Egg on ..

[@chrismouton1985]

Spot on, mate!

[@DoonRugby]

I like the idea of plate like sevens.

[@darrenross5866]

As a “saffa” I have often felt that we have not scheduled enough games for our SA”A” side and missed out on developing some of our “fringe” players. A tour or two a year to play tier 2 nations would no doubt still be well supported in those nations and provide development opportunities for both countries at a competitive level. Could this not be part of the solution?

[@bryanfitzharris2468]

I don’t understand why they can’t do it, they do it in the u20s which means there’s more than one or two matches a day during the knockout stages

[@benneal9309]

Gotta feel for Uruguay, i think the abs v japan record gonna be challenged.

[@cgh6114]

The sevens approach is doable ending with a grand finale ceremony with all the Teams together. All that is needed is someone with integrity to set up the 'Rugby World Cup Fund'. Fans all over the World donate to it over the preceding 4 years and come the RWC year, they all get a signed rugby ball. I would go £20 per month - easy.

[@ollieevans5308]

I think a plate competition would be a great way to keep the hype as well. If you have the plate as the midweek games throughout the knockouts that keeps people talking about rugby between the weekends. I'd love to have qualification on the line in it to give it some purpose. However, if it's between a plate competition and more T2 games in the interim years, I think the non-RWC years are more important to fix. (I also think the core issue for rugby at the moment is with domestic competitions being a mess and not carrying on any hype from RWC/6N etc.)

[@laboureurdepain]

Nobody's talking about that world league WR is planning. From 2026 on, every other year, the summer and autumn internationals window would be dedicated only to matches between Tier 1 sides + Fiji and Japan. Not a chance for smaller nations to get some game time against the biggies these years. World Rugby doesn't care about developing the game, all they care for is financial stability.

[@jimmykeeping3854]

How about splitting world rugby annual competitions into two sections; Europe/Middle East/ Africa and then Asia/Austrilasia/Pacific/Americas. Surely then you would have enough teams to create a number of tiered league tables with promotion and relegation. 6-7 teams per league who play either in a registsered international break window or the current windows 6N and RC already use

[@trevormorgan1205]

I completely agree! The Cup, Plate & Shield competitions for 1st & 2nd, 3rd & 4th and 5th & 6th (respectively) placed teams would be fantastic!

[@timking129]

Plate idea may be solved by having super Friday/Saturdays in one location to decide every position, the city would go off with various supporters enjoying together

[@brandonglover3708]

You could also have a bottom bracket for the 3rd place teams, that have to play an extra knockout round to get into the quarters/semis. And to fit in the extra round we'd get these knockout games midweek.

[@grantbrooks5577]

Bloody good idea Tim 🍻

[@nicholaslead6016]

Great podcast Tim. Couldn’t agree more. Keep up the fight Thanks

[@AshB-2407]

Personally I'd like more strength vs strength but still include Tier 2 nations. Top 12 ... 2 pools. Round Robin. 5 meaningful matches. Top 4 make semis. Next 12 .... same format & to run concurrently. Bottom 2 in top tier to be relegated. Top 2 in bottom tier to be promoted & together with top 10 in tier 1 qualify automatically for next WC. Tier two qualification is through qualification matches between WCs as currently happens.

[@supervundu]

Autumn Internationals should include “A” teams or expanded squads from tier one nations to play 2-3 midweek or Friday night fixtures against tier two teams. Rugby Championships should be 6 teams, with Fiji and Japan. All about that global calendar, right? NZ, SA, France, England, Ireland can easily play up to 16 test matches in a year considering their depth. Add a further 6-8 “A” team games, and there is no reason why it’s not possible. The only way to grow the sport is to actually grow the audience. With 2031 World Cup set for the US, engaging the South American teams is a first step; would be great to see 3 or 4 big international games in the States over one weekend; Fri: USA v Argentina; Sat: WAL v England; Ire v NZ; Sun: SA v France… one meaty weekend each autumn. Oh to dream

[@georgebrandt6767]

Completely agree

[@Comerford1986]

6 Nations and The Rugby Championship need to be expanded to 8 teams each. Both operate on the same format: - 2 groups of 4 - Top 2 in each group go into semi finals - Bottom 2 in each group go into relegation playoffs

[@christoduplessis8177]

South Africa and New Zealand won't accept that in a million years. We have a century of rugby history at the pinnacle of rugby, both boards make about 30%-40% of their annual revenue out of playing each other home and away each year (even within the confinement of the RC). Also, the Southern Hemisphere has had a terrible experience with expanding SR. When the quality went down the supporters tuned out. This feels like the same thing.

[@mhoppy6639]

Introduce relegation for 6N and have a T2 Europe comp for other European teams. Winning teams from the “lower comp” get promoted to 6N for the next season. Exposes Georgia, Portugal, Romania, Russia, (US/Canada?)spain to a season of high quality 6N season. They might get hammered quite a bit but it gives them regular games against Nh best teams. Every ‘solution’ has serious flaws but we do need to push these slightly lower level teams into higher pressure situations.

[@Gramscifreedom]

@@mhoppy6639this would never happen. I see this talk all the time but the six nations is owned by the 6 unions. Why would they ever vote to potentially have their team demoted? It would effectively bankrupt any union which would go down. Then there is the history, spectacle, attendances, venues etc to consider. It just won’t happen.

[@anthonybrady2779]

And occasionally you might get a tier 1 team in the plate competition, would they be happy with that? Look at the Wallabies this year. I like the idea though.

[@SchumiUCD]

A plate competition is a great idea. It might cost a bit of money but World Rugby should be mostly spending the World Cup money on tier 2 countries anyway so what's the problem?

[@brycefairbairn389]

This may be your best video yet. Every idea you proposed is spot on. We also need to look at getting these teams more games between cups. They could play Nz A or Māori for example.

[@danielsikuri7121]

That’s a brilliant idea! Most of these tier 1 teams have enough depth to trot out two teams per year and while it will strengthen the top teams, it should also make the tier two teams better. Imagine having the young tier 1 players having the keys to a team consistently.

[@miguelberthet6723]

Love the idea

[@bryanellis459]

I think the Lions year is key, make that a Tier1 vs Tier 2 summer/year. It's already an off year for the global competition, and the home nations should be able to send a decent squad to play competitive games against these teams. France and the the oth;er 3 Rugby Championship teams may object, but it's 1 year out of 3. You get 12 Tiier 2 teams, playing meaningful games, and are less likeyl to have blowouts against Tier1 teams.ds

[@paulbismuth10]

U're right about a unified calendar and your not the only one to demand it. Football does it and it's one of the reason why it's so easy to follow. For instance in France the Top 14 is outstanding for the fans but is a marathon preventing players involved in the playoffs to part take in the summer tours, forcing national b team to be send abroad. And it won't change because clubs and broadcasters need their cash cow. Money is the name of the game like Georgia and the 6th nations. Thanks Tim to dive into topic like economy of Rugby such as the wellfare of the premiership or tier two nations.

[@mhb1684]

I love your passion for the game

[@fabmanly1070]

I would also like to see the Quarters, Semi not drawn until teams have made it. Same with FIFA WC. This would cut out all sandbagging as no team would know who they’ll be up against in the final rounds.

[@harshbutfair8993]

Great idea, would be all for it. I mentioned it elsewhere recently, but would be good to get Spain and Portugal into the 6N, obviously would be 8N then and probably would need two pools of 4, with the winners of each pool in a final, could also finish with plate and shield finals just like Tim's WC suggestion. The beauty of this is they are near to the other participants, sure they would get well beaten for a good few years at the start, but the hope would be the game could develop there but they'd make for great destinations for matches and Italy could start getting some much needed wins too 😋

[@dirkvoltaar]

What a great idea for the long term growth and success of the sport. Teams like Portugal and Uruguay have really lit up the competition. And it would suck not to see them play again for another four years. How could we move World Rugby on this?

[@dirkvoltaar]

@@ChuckWind-SawThank you! I'll do that!

[@denisgately4701]

Your ideas are definitely worth pursuing....I agree entirely. If you need some input from Oz, I am happy to be your man.

[@daramaccarthy]

Plate competition ☘️

[@daramaccarthy]

First here

[@daramaccarthy]

Buy self a pint🍺

[@chrissheldon9427]

Completely agree with you. I can't help but think World Rugby would have been more forward thinking if Agustin Pichot had beaten Bill Beaumonth as he would have been less a figurehead and driven real change. The question is what happens between World Cups. World Rugby have talked about the Nation's League for Tier 1 countries, but it's more important for Tier 2. If we assume, hopefully, that Fiji and Japan are brought into the Rugby Championship, World Rugby could set up a Tier 2 Southern Hemisphere Championship similar to the Rugby Europe International Championship, and could contain any of the following: Samoa, Tonga, Uruguay, Namibia, Chile, USA, Canada, Hong Kong etc.

[@harrycowleshc]

Agree mate, Bill Beaumont is apart of the old boys club and you can't hep but think of them all sitting around in leather chairs with whisky and cigars laughing greedily at how they are keeping total control.

[@daramaccarthy]

Thanks

[@EggchasersRugby]

Thank YOU Dara. Means a lot buddy

[@Benjieboy247]

Great video, I wish World Rugby had you as an advisor 😅

[@jamescooper-hope6930]

I remember Ivory Coast and Richard Tsimba playing in the first WRC and then disappear off the radar, permanently. How? The WRFU pumps $,£,€ etc into addressing logistics and growing competition between T2 teams. Consistently. Promoting international footy over club/franchise footy - which has done wonders for the Pacific Island teams (Fiji) for instance.

[@mojojojo218]

Fiji has benefited from their inclusion in Super Rugby , this is a good start, more teams could benefit from this type of initiative ,of course Intérnational games must be scheduled for Tier 2 teams , maybe the Junior U20's could regularly play these teams and a separately scheduled comp prior to WC so teams get some games under their belt .

[@PeerAdder]

Beware of confirmation bias. Italy have been in the six nations for 23 years and has it made much of a difference to them (compare their games against NZ in this world cup and the opening match in 1987)? Argentina have been in the Rugby Championship since 2012 and while they have improved it's not by much and it isn't clear that it's really due to being in the RC.

[@citedcanvas85]

I'd like the Boks to do a tour one year to Pacific Islands and play against Samoa Fiji Tonga instead of going to Europe every year. And alternate each year.

[@paulmason9798]

Hi Tim - I just wanted to point out that Jersey Reds (the pro team) have gone into liquidation but the amateur team JRFC and women’s and minis sections are still operate as separate entities. The amateur men play at level 6 and is thriving. The ground and club house are safe as they are owned by the amateur section.

[@footyfin]

I like a concept such as that - something for Tier 2 nations to compete in, look fwd to and develop from ... including, as of this year, the Wobblies! From an Aussie

[@lussiole100]

I am french, so I can only speak about what I know, which is french rugby. But I think there is an option that can benefit everybody. Tier 1 nations won't play against tier 2 because, in the like of top 14, players dont have time for this, there is a debate in france about the amount of match the best players have to do , in top 14 + champions cup + 6 nations + summer tour + november tour... so no federation will want to put their best players one more time at risk and exhaust them for playing against namibia or uruguay... BUT, if we do the like of Argentina XV, a french XV with a complete third choice players, who dont play usually in the french jersey, it would benefit everybody. Uruguay, for exemple, would play against a really strong french side mixed with u20 world champions and third choices players to be tested. And as a french fan i would loooooove to see that, and I am pretty sure the stadium , if played in france, would be full... and it is not just about france, i would love to watch an ireland XV vs chile, or a south africa XV against georgia Sorry for my english 😅

[@Analytical2000]

I agree with you here. Teir 1 B teams would help develop Teir 2 teams. It also allows Teir 1 teams to get some depth in their teams. I would also expect Teir 2 teams that benefited from this to do same for lower Teir nations which would also help them develop depth.

[@shanecoffey1024]

Just throwing this out there. What if the world cup was run like the soccer world cup? Qualifying groups in each continent, playing for places in the world cup in the year before the finals. It would give the Tier 2 teams more games against Tier 1 plus more competitive games in general.

[@dalem85]

Extra games at the WC would be nice, but I don't think it's the silver bullet to the problem. The main thing is that there is no incentive for perennial wooden spooners like Italy or Argentina (maybe Aus now) to use their resources smartly and efficiently to keep improving, and there is no incentive for investors in Tier 2 nations to put financial backing in. With a relegation system in the Six Nations and Rugby Championship, we could actually see some meaningful development of all teams. Relegation from these tournaments would really give the upper management a kick up the butt to sort the rot out.

[@bradkelderman684]

In this tournament, if we had a Plate Cup knockout running alongside main knockouts (3rd and 4th place in each pool), we would see Italy, Uruguay, Scotland, Tonga, Australia, Portugal, Japan, Samoa, all playing in their own knockout games. It would be awesome to watch!

[@stanleyrobson4622]

It would have been rugby heaven if the world cup play off phase was structured that way! Alternatively one could have a strength v. strength WC competition. Two groups of 5 or 6 teams (for teams ranked 1-12th) with a semi final round and then the final, with a similarly set up second tier competition running concurrently for teams ranked 13th to 24th.

[@fraserposford144]

What's your source on the expanded World Cup, Tim? I've been advocating this for ages and would love to see it although didn't think any action was being taken. Would be a vital step in the right direction.

[@glentweedie602]

Uruguay, Namibia, Tonga, Romania, Georgia, Portugal, Samoa, Chile, USA plus 3 more should have their own Super Rugby competition played annually. Not as club teams but as national teams. Yes, it will impact on players with overseas contracts playing for bigger clubs, but it will foster a grassroots base and growth within those countries and a following of fans. And once you have a lot of fans, you have money coming into the stadiums.

[@djharto4917]

Logistical nightmare, I agree in principle but financially not viable.

[@harrycowleshc]

I am so behind helping develop these tier 2 nations, even if that is at the slight detriment of the tier 1 nations 1 of which I am from. I am lucky enough to have spent the night with the Tongan national team post SA match and what a bunch of guys. They bring so much to these tournements flair, aggresion and passion beyond belief along with FANTASTIC fans who help to lightup the tournement. Yes when we get to the business end we do want to see the giants going at each other but it doesn't mean I want to see less of these guys. I love the idea of the world cup having split off plate comps etc but I still don't think that goes far enough. I've been thinking about the summer tours where we have 3 games in NZ, SA, Arg, Oz etc. Well what about having a mini 6 nations comp or something in one of these countries. NZ, Eng, Fiji, Uruguay and USA for instance playing in a round robin comp over 4 weeks in a single host country. and then a SA, Wal, Tonga, Portugal, Canada in another and so on and so forth. I know that USA, Uruguay / Canada are going to be nearly always at the bottom of these tables at the end of it but in years to come they may not. They get the experience and they get coverage in their countries which surely helps to grow the sport at a global level. It allows the tier 1 nations time to develop younger guys whilst still having some major clashes. you can still have the 6 nations and Autumn inteernationals whilsty giving these guys more time to play. Sorry for the length of this but I think this is massively important but unfortunatley think the powers are sat there saying "don't worry, no one will care again in November." and sadly that maybe correct.

[@tonywybrow2767]

12 in an A Cup, 20 in a B Cup. Bottom two in A relegate, top two in B promoted. Years between cups the top 12 teams must play 1 B group team per year home and away tests. The best games are the minnows playing each other. This will also grow the game in the group B countries long term.

[@billybones6137]

Football doesn't even have 10-12 teams that can win a world cup. A more realistic target would be the tier 2 nations losing by a smaller margin.

[@alexhutchens9768]

Very true about the points difference. But TV and media would tell you that so called T2 nations are closing the gap on the T1 nations. Unfortunately unless more game time is had and money pumped into the game nothing will change.

[@Ned-Ryerson]

Then the media would be talking rubbish, as Romania and Namibia are also Tier 2.

[@alexhutchens9768]

@@Ned-Ryerson that's my point. The gab is still massive.

[@giuseppe2395]

This is a wonderful idea. Outside the WC, every year's inbound/outbound tour should only be a 2-test tour (YES, it's fine to draw a series!!!) between tier 1 nations giving space to include a 2-tier match either before, between or after. Think NZ v France, SA v Scotland, Aus v Ireland, Arg v Wales all accommodating Samoa, Namibia, Tonga and Chile or whoever else on an annual, reshuffling rotational basis.

[@romaricregnaud8662]

I would love to see yearly tournaments like the 6nations and 4nations become actual continental tournaments with 2 tiers. As an example for the 6 nations: Create a 2nd tier with Georgia, Spain, Portugal, Romania, Russia?. Have the games of t2 tournament happen the same week as the 6nations, either earlier during the weekend, or during the week in the evening, within the same tv deal so they’re easily accessible, the way top14 and pro d2 do. At the end of each tournament, have the winner of t2 play a game against the last team in the 6 nations for promotion, either a single game of a best of 2. That would at least give those teams visibility, and more financial power with no change to the t1 calendar. The same can be done with the Pacific islands, Uruguay and Namibia for the 4 nations.

[@quantumconditioning]

No only are these amazing ideas, If you ask the average person what are the more exciting games to watch? They’ll usually say the lower tier teams, because they play running rugby, and knockout rugby is more like a combo of arm wrestling and soccor. The fact is… calling it a rugby world cup, when realistically only 4 teams can win it (there’s only been winners - so far) is dumb. Adding more teams, while not adding more competition (to actually win the cup) is stupid and short sighted. Agree with everything you’ve said. 16 “actual possible” winners would be Amazing to watch 👍 and thats coming from someone who supports the all blacks. If its good for the game, it’s good for everyone.

[@kevinhigginson9340]

Agree on calendar. This should be sorted to have TRC and 6N in May/June after the NH season with a 6 week window. Then just 1 international window of 7 weeks in Sept/ Oct mimicking the RWC dates. In this window, have a 4 year cycle. RWC Lions and A team tours to T2. Regional Champs World League The Regional Champs would be Euro/Africa, Asia/Pacific and Americas. Europe would be 10 teams, AP 5 teams, Americas 5 teams. Also reducing automatic qualification this could be used as qualifying for RWC.

[@citedcanvas85]

Basically like the 7s competition

[@chrissilver7719]

I am in favour of a plate competition , plsy knockout rugby against other teams that they can develop. If 3rd teams in groups are guarenteed a WC spot then the bottom two in each group play quarter finals, semi and a final .Winner gets an automatic spot for that next WC. Its nit just the extra games WR can expose those coaches and teams to more experienced coaching etc. Brilliant video mate, top commitment and opinion on the game.

[@Ned-Ryerson]

Sadly, inclusion in one of the bigger regular tournaments (6N, Rugby Championship) is not an option for my former home, Namibia. Their only chance would be to be included in a South African competition as one of the "club" or "provincial" sides, as anything beyond that would be way beyond their financial means (NRU syphoning off money into personal pockets is not helping, of course). Once upon a time, that was the case. The best Namibian players are currently benefitting from MLB, which gives them a chance to play rugby at pro level, but for the team to get better, they need to have these players play together, and that requires some sort of professional team like the Drua closer to home. Of course this would not be a direct Tier 2 solution, but for a team from such a minor market, it could work wonders.

[@paulbennett2929]

Excellent idea that's full of common sense. Which is why the WRB have turned it down.

[@neillfotheringham211]

The only time tier 2 teams seem involved away from rwc are during autumn internationals. Can World Rugby and/or tier 1 nations assist financially to give them more involvement?

[@pauljohnson8302]

Concentrate on more games for non tier1 nations. Ideal world: x3 tier2 annual or bi-annual tournaments: - Uruguay, Chile, USA, Canada - Japan, Fiji, Somoa, Tonga - Portugal, Spain, Romania, Georgia & maybe Germany/ others ... as 2nd div of 6th nations with promotion/relegation. (Apologies if I've missed some other Rugby playing nations)

[@eritchie5]

Great idea! 100% agree. Only other thing is whether we should have some kind of second tier six nations in which 6 more teams can compete with promotion and relegation to the six nations if they can win a playoff against whoever finishes 6th?

[@eritchie5]

Second 6 nations should take place at same time as normal six nations to boost tv figures.

[@guillaumeshearmur656]

There definitely needs to be an overhaul of the whole rugby world in order to develop the game. Countries such as Germany, USA, Canada, Russia and many others have a huge population with all types of body sizes that are ideal for the game. Having, from what I see, only four big leagues (Top 14, England, Australia and South Africa), is very small. Rugby needs to be more like football where any number of countries can win the World Cup.

[@Ned-Ryerson]

And how are you going to achieve that when the Germans have just won the basketball world cup and have a well-established professional handball league, while still, despite recent failures, being overall football-mad? The USA and Canada do at least have some sort of domestic system in place that is near-professional or small-scale professional. German rugby is still very much limited to the cities of Hannover and Heidelberg, played by amateurs and, at best, semi-pro players.

[@Colm-wk9zw]

I think they should have a tournament like we have the 6 nations in 6 South America, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina and Invite Portugal and Georgia

[@simpslayer7839]

They need to play Tier 2 nations frequently. 4x a year to close the gap

[@Mad_Intellect]

Portugal, Georgia and the USA.

[@rhysjones9870]

There is a tier 2 six nations, Portugal, Georgia, Germany, Spain and Belgium are in it

[@barrygormley]

1 weekend in the weekend before summer tour, the 6N teams play the top 6 REC teams in the order they finished. 6 games over 3 days to crown the European champion. In November each tier 1 side must play a tier 2 side. So touring SA, NZ, Aus, Japan play REC sides. 6N sides play an Americas, African or pacific side. All tier 2 teams must get 3 autumn games, 1 of which is tier 1 and the other touring sides.

[@christoduplessis8177]

They have had a tournament Iike that for almost a century. Wikipedia it and be a bit more up to speed before throwing ideas out there which exist already.

[@jymbeau3633]

You speak for all Rugby fans on this Tim. There is no downside to a plate competition. I also like the idea of having a bigger European championship instead of the six nations in Lions years. The big nations can blood some youngsters, the smaller ones get to mix it.

[@shanestewart4830]

A 16 team European international championship every 4 years would give 10 tier 2 sides greater exposure to better competition, including a plate, bowl & shield. Other areas of the worls should do something similar.

[@Len-ms1mx]

Your heart is in the right place and I enjoy the videos. Thank you. You have opened a discussion and I would like to give my opinion. I don't think your idea is that good as none of these teams would get meaningful matches for 4 years and then would be expected to compete for 1 month and afterwards have a rest for 4 years. This won't create competitive teams at a high level. What I feel should be done is that rugby must open the doors. At the moment and since its invention it has been a closed shop. It is impossible for any country to play any meaningful competitive matches unless they are members of the boys club. The six nations has to have promotion and relegation. The 2nd division would become much better overnight. Countries like Spain would invest ( I live here, there is interest, when they realise the door is closed interest wanes and there is zero investment). If the door is closed nobody from outside will invest. Yes there will be a problem for relegated teams but this would be less over time with a more competitive 2nd division. The same with the rugby championship should happen. In basketball, hockey, volleyball, soccer, handball and virtually all team sports with the exception of cricket if you have a team you are allowed compete. You go through the divisions and you rise to the top. I could go on for a long time about this to explain my point. I'm sorry but this smells of British colonialism and their old boys clubs. In the modern world it doesn't work. People complain about finances. Hello! Oz, Wales, England, NZ, Scotland and maybe SA are already in dire financial problems. There is no money, to create investment you need to create a market. I could go on and on. I love rugby, its part of my childhood passions. The WC mismatches I take personally and I find embarrassing in front of my Spanish friends.

[@kigleeson]

The proposal of 4 pools of 6 sounds the wrong way around. Wouldn't 6 groups of 4 be better? The samller teams all fade as the pool games go on as they only have so many top players. RWO 2023 seems drawn out already with 5 weekends of pool matches. World Rugby could look at how the inclusion of the Fiji Drua in Super Rugby has improved the national sides performance at the workd cup.

[@MrMdebenham]

Myself I’d love the idea of a secondary competition every lesser country appears to have one cracking match! But I also feel that they need to be reffed differently especially when playing tier 1 countries in the match above till NZ first try they where up for the fight! How about if it’s usually 4 penalties till warnings and yellow cards make it to 2 for tier 1 second been a yellow the tier 1 know the limits better and how to push them and they are Professionals! Tier 2 have the odd pro and a plasterer! Just think it might make tier 1 think more to play clean an example to the lesser countries who remain on the usual 4 plus penalties before cards? Just a thought as I watch Wales take on Georgia. Come back on Georgia 🤪🇬🇪

[@librapower7810]

Just seems like a win win situation, but wr are too shortsighted which is so annoying

[@EistLiom]

Have a tier one tournament and a separste tier 2 world cup...

[@btcdunks8476]

There are only 2 impediments that block all sort of conversations for a global schedule. 1- 6 nations. 2- French top 14. You sort that and is good to go.

[@MichaelBoyle514]

The reason they'll never do this is not financial, it's political. The unions that control World Rugby can't abide the humiliation of Italy and Scotland - and this year, possibly Australia - being put together in a knockout against so-called Tier 2 nations. It's a real shame, but they have to let those two Six Nations save face and pretend they're just unlucky 3rd-placers and not actual Tier 2 nations in reality. This brings up another problem, which is that if Italy (who after all have fewer knockout appearances at the RWC than Canada, Fiji, Samoa, or Japan) are actually a Tier 2 nation on the field, what is the possible justification for guaranteeing them a spot in the Six Nations over Georgia or some other pretender? No, the not-so-big-guns have to be coddled and protected. In other words, you can't do this without introducing relegation and promotion to the Six Nations, which is the true golden goose to be protected.

[@PauloJorgeMonteiro]

Great video. :) My $2c: I still think the issue is continuous exposure between RWCs between Tier 2 and Tier 1 nations. If each Tier 2 nation got a couple of Tier 1 matches a year that would be amazing. Imagine if between RWCs Tier 2 teams get 7-10 games, having a RWC competition in the similar fashion as 7s would not avoid the 60-90 points blowouts. Providing a plate competition is not reducing the gap between Tier 1 nations. It is between RWCs that the investment needs to be made.

[@maxtlion]

Australian Rules Football started using the plate competition in their International Cup in 2011, after it had run since 2002. It worked really well to keep teams engaged with the competition, maximise the exposure of the international game, as well as allow all those amateur athletes to get the most out of their hard work and financial sacrifice to represent their country. Get rid of the residency rule for national qualification, and enforce that a player can only represent the country of their original nationality. This would certainly assist he smaller islander nations, who lose a lot of players to New Zealand and Australia, not to mention some European countries.

[@rykelmähaukka]

Most important is to watch the performance and not just results. Fiji, Georgia, Uruguay and Portugal all performed well some with better results some with not that good results. I highly support the cup, plate, shield system. One negative side is that no one travels just to see shield semi or plate final.

[@Ned-Ryerson]

Well, having shield or plate competitions in connection with the main World Cup would make travel easy, as you'd already be there.

[@rykelmähaukka]

@@Ned-Ryerson Only for those who already are there. No one travels only for plate and shield games. Locals will watch those matches.

[@gregm9447]

Plate competition seems a non brainer. More importantly we need a WC where more teams have a chance at getting to 1/4 finals. This WC - all top ranked teams were all but through with 1/2 games left.

[@falkkiwiben]

The problem really is that very few people watch rugby in T2 nations, while a lot more people watch rugby than play it in T1 nations. We need to make rugby a better product to watch, I can't for the life of me sell my fellow Swedes to actually watch rugby before the NFL

[@Analytical2000]

Agreed. This is the big elephant in the room that no one wants to see.

[@storydujour]

8:24 arguably TOP golden nugget: Y? Grassroots rugby clubs + local businesses + Communities ALL boosted by plate/shield incl' Fan spends... £€$¥. Inclusion: 'excluded nippers from the sticks get to see top players kick ball through the H sticks' Etc. Younguns engaged. Grows the game, Amplifies the love ❤🏉

[@ChrisBrown-or8ky]

I half like the idea of the plate games, in that I'd definitely watch it. But i disagree with the principle of it. My opinion is there should be 3 years of world cup qualifiers, with pools, home and away, England and NZ actually going to places like Montevideo and Lisbon. Actually grow the game internationally. Top 8 qualfy, and a repecharge system to find the top 16 for the rwc. Standardised and regular quality competition. You may call me a dreamer, but I'm not the only one

[@rafafederer832]

Rugby World Cup generates so much money it can afford to subsidise the tier 2 and tier 3 nations. Really struggling to get to 24 teams. Can’t see any good reason not to have plate competition mid week, you’ve already covered the majority of their cost as it means 8 teams staying at World Cup for an extra week, 4 teams extra 2 weeks and 4 teams extra 3 weeks. The bigger problem is what to do with the lesser nations in between world cups. Countries aren’t queueing up to “waste” an autumn international playing the likes of japan Georgia Namibia Uruguay. Financially completely understand it as I doubt say England playing Georgia in an autumn international even breaks even. Not going to get the big tv money from it. Most of the ruling bodies need to get their hands on every penny they can get to paper over the mismanagement cracks and bail out their clubs cough WRU cough. Here at the rugby World Cup there’d definitely be demand for these games on Thursday/ Friday in the same cities the main tournament games would be in. In the 4 years in between world cups it’s hard to say if world rugby really has the money to prop up the small nations and it’s going to be almost impossible to convince the tier 1 countries to shell out for it

[@dj9g10]

I agree about this. It would also help differentiate Rugby from other Global tornaments. Rugby follows the path of football far too much. However, in the short term im not sure how much it would help tier 2 . It would be a weird tornament for Scotland, Australia or even Italy to win