This is an attempt, hopefully, to bring increased support, sponsors, and participation back to the game.
The story sounds familiar; but this is not England and the RFU saying this; it’s the country that has won three World Cups and prides itself on the fact rugby is its national sport, New Zealand.
At a time when the worldwide game is coming finally to understand and accept what has been gradually happening since the dawn of leagues in rugby, the Six Nations unions are actually thinking of reducing mass media exposure of the game by potentially selling the TV rights for international rugby, Six Nations and Autumn games, for pay to view.
It may seem attractive to clubs that desperately need money from their union to help fund a league-based game. Most do not have a mass following and have been forced to cut costs by reducing the number of teams they field so as to invest in a ‘league worthy’ first team.
Professional rugby has added to the burden by driving up player and coaching costs, while an increased risk of injury at all levels is making it harder for the game to retain adult male players, and particularly among those who fail to make the professional-grade.
Unions across the world are struggling with decreasing numbers at the senior male level of the game, and funding the ever-increasing cost of the professional games’ (players, coaches and administrators) wages.
As a result, they will virtually agree to almost anything that promises what seems a substantial amount of money in the short term.
This story is from the March 08, 2020 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 08, 2020 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
YOUNG GUNS
SEANKERR HARLEQUINS & ENGLAND U20 CENTRE
PGP deal is nothing but a waste of time
I CAN’T help thinking that the new Professional Game Partnership (PGP) is nothing but a waste of time as I can’t see how it is going to make any difference to how the game operates or how it will actually help clubs keep players and reduce the financial strain they are under.
Tries galore as Jake leads the Crusaders title party
WITH Dings stalwarts Charlie Taylor and Jake Holcombe reaching the milestones of 250 and 200 appearances respectively, the massive win over Camborne was a fitting end to the season.
It's title delight for the Titans!
ROTHERHAM Titans are the champions!
Lions survive as Patrick heroics seal late glory
THE final throws of the 2023-24 season saw Sale take on Leicester Lions at Heywood Road, with the visitors looking for a victory to ensure their survival.
35 years on and Tim's charity still full of hope
IF YOU believe rugby is the ultimate team sport – which I still do – it is tempting to superimpose all its many fine qualities into other team environments.
'Ireland in blue' will provide stiffest test
PHIL Dowson and Leo Cullen first crossed paths in European action 10 seasons ago when Northampton did something they had never done before nor since: beating Leinster in Dublin.
Cardiff left in a mess by lively Edinburgh
CARDIFF’S last appearance at the Arms Park this season ended miserably as Edinburgh picked up a valuable four points in their quest for an end of season playoff spot.
RED ROSES
MADDIE FEAUNATI EXETER CHIEFS BACK ROW
Sharks look to have edge in Diamond derby
SALE boss Alex Sanderson has thanked Steve Diamond, his opposite number at Newcastle, for giving him extra motivation to win what has been dubbed ‘the Diamond derby’.