ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Wednesday Oct 27, 2021

World 12s rugby tournament dealt blow as concept is shunned

The proposed World 12s tournament has suffered a potentially terminal blow following opposition from unions and domestic competitions.

ADVERTISEMENT

Dubbed the Indian Premier League of rugby, organisers planned to launch the 12-a-side tournament next August in the hope that its franchise system, including a player auction, would entice new fans and money into the game.

But World Rugby has released a statement that appears to end hopes of it ever taking place after a report revealed that a letter written by stakeholders including the Gallagher Premiership and Top 14 outlined their objections.

“The game’s major stakeholders welcome innovative thinking that has the potential to enhance the sport, and new concepts are always given full consideration,” a World Rugby spokesperson said.

“World Rugby has reflected the views of national unions, international and domestic competitions to the group proposing World 12s and confirmed that stakeholders do not wish to explore the concept further at this time.

“This is a position endorsed by the World Rugby executive committee and professional game committee, which includes representatives from across the elite men’s and women’s game.

“The priority for the sport is advancing productive discussions regarding the establishment of a welfare-focused, streamlined and harmonious annual international calendar.”

READ MORE: The ‘IPL of Rugby’ is coming with millions to be earned in all new WORLD 12s

World 12s organisers remain confident the competition, which would be played over three weekends and is backed by World Cup-winning coaches Steve Hansen and Jake White, will still launch as planned next year.

ADVERTISEMENT

However, there is an understanding that the aim of recruiting 192 of the sport’s best players from tier one and tier two nations is a longer-term goal.

World 12s chief executive Rowena Samarasinhe said: “World 12s has been, and continues to be, in regular contact with World Rugby.

“The challenges around the international calendar are well-known. World 12s is a long-term project and will grow over the years.

“We are optimistic that, even within the restrictions posed by the current calendar, World 12s will be able to host a tournament in August 2022 that includes a number of the game’s leading players, who will not be impacted by fixture clashes at that time.

ADVERTISEMENT

“World 12s has always stated its commitment to working closely with all the game’s stakeholders to build an event that showcases the best talent, while bringing new audiences and significant investment to the sport.”

World 12s forecast that £250million would be generated over the next five years, while also increasing the global appeal of rugby. A women’s competition is scheduled to begin in 2023.

Unquestionably the biggest problem it faces is player release with clubs and provinces in European leagues refusing to allow their stars to take part during a time of year when they are either on holiday or in pre-season.

And there is no prospect of All Blacks, Wallabies or Springboks being involved because of the Rugby Championship being held at the same time.

You might also like:

Video Spacer

Related Articles

  • 44 WEEKS AGO

    Ellis Genge puts on his boxing gloves ready...

  • 44 WEEKS AGO

    Crazy scenes as player deliberately kicks...

  • 44 WEEKS AGO

    RFU make decision on transgender players...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Springbok winger with the most athletic non-try of the season

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Jack Crowley drops the ball on dime for brilliant Munster try in URC Final

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    WATCH: World class offload from James O’Connor Leads To Long Range Reds Try

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster up and running with two incredible tries inside the first five minutes

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Chiefs Score The “Best Team Try” In Super Rugby History

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Marcos Kremer shown red card for reckless shot on Finn Russell

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Heroic tackle from Spanish 7s player goes viral

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    No sanction handed down by SANZAAR for tackle that left Reds player with a fractured neck

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Cheslin Kolbe Dominates Sebastian Cancelliere with back-to-back big tackles

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Ben Curry's World Cup hopes dashed as he becomes the latest victim of the crocodile roll

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Barbarians Vs World XV highlights

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Silly Skill From Toulouse Fullback Highlights French Confidence

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Ardie Savea Moment Of Magic In Super Rugby Aotearoa

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    'Armchair athletes' berate Arundell's seriously impressive bench press

  • 16 WEEKS AGO

    Worcester Warriors - The End

View All

Funnies

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Mack Hansen gets Andy Farrell’s face tattooed on leg

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    "Hey Manie oh ah I wanna know if I can block that kick" – Munster's hilarious new song

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Munster Rugby loving life in Cape Town Following URC Final Victory

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: La Rochelle Players Gate Crash O’Gara Interview

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Stade Rochelais Coaches With All-Time Coaches Box Celebration

View All

Amateur

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 44 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 44 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 44 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Horrific footage has emerged of Mohamed Haouas attack on wife

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Mack Hansen gets Andy Farrell’s face tattooed on leg

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    French international receives prison sentence for attack on wife

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    John Afoa breaks record on return to Super Rugby

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Harry Potter to ‘disapparate’ to Australia

View All