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Global stars including England captain Owen Farrell and Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton have warned of serious player welfare and integrity concerns over World Rugby\u2019s proposed new competition structure.<\/p>\nGlobal stars including England captain Owen Farrell and Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton have warned of serious player welfare and integrity concerns over World Rugby\u2019s proposed new competition structure.<\/p>\n
The International Rugby Players\u2019 Council held a detailed conference call this week that included nine of the world\u2019s top 10 Test team captains dialing in.<\/p>\n
A new global season is due to kick off next year, running until 2032.<\/p>\n
Discussions, meanwhile, have also taken place about a new World League that would combine 12 international sides from both hemispheres in a competition running through summer and autumn and culminating with play-offs and a final.<\/p>\n
The IRPC said players were \u201cunited in their concern\u201d about issues such as player-load challenges from playing multiple Tests across different time zones in consecutive weeks, increased conflicts between club and country demands, plus potential impact on the World Cup and British and Irish Lions tours.<\/p>\n
The IRPC also claimed that promotion and relegation will not form part of the new proposal, saying it would prevent Tier Two and emerging nations from accessing top level competitive matches.<\/p>\n
It is understood that any World League would have the intention of featuring England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina, plus Japan and the United States, who could be invited to join the Rugby Championship.<\/p>\n
But if no promotion and relegation is sanctioned, then it could mean countries like Georgia, Samoa, Fiji and Tonga being isolated.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt seems like a commercial deal on the future of the game is being negotiated at a rapid pace with little consideration given to the important points we raised with World Rugby in November,\u201d Sexton said, in a statement released by the IRPC.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe issue of player-load has never been so topical. However, it needs to be properly understood.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo suggest that players can play five incredibly high-level Test matches in consecutive weeks in November is out of touch and shows little understanding of the physical strain this brings.\u201d<\/p>\n
Farrell, meanwhile, added: \u201cPlayers are definitely open to discussing a new global season, but what we develop has to work with the club game in order to reduce conflict, deal with player release issues and make sure their welfare is looked after.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe proposal presented to us at the moment doesn\u2019t seem to have considered this properly and shows no signs of improving this already difficult situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
And New Zealand skipper Kieran Read said: \u201cAfter listening to the issues raised by many of the players, we need to be very careful that we balance the commercial needs of the game with the player welfare needs and ensure the quality and integrity of matches meets expectations.<\/p>\n
\u201cFans want to see meaningful games. They don\u2019t want to see fatigued players playing a reduced quality of rugby as part of a money-driven, weakened competition that doesn\u2019t work for the players or clubs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith new technologies, new broadcast deals and new money coming into the sport, this is a crucial moment for rugby and one that many players are generally excited about.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, we have to make sure that the integrity of the game and welfare of the players is protected.\u201d<\/p>\n
International Rugby Players chief executive Omar Hassanein confirmed player views had been conveyed to World Rugby on several occasions.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cWorld Rugby are failing to respect the players\u2019 views and genuinely engage on the issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be interesting to see their approach in the coming weeks, knowing the current proposal does not have the players support.\u201d<\/p>\n