The Rugby Thread

[PeteC]

I don't understand why the Six Nations teams are opposed to a relegation system? Hopefully details will be forthcoming after their meeting.
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World Rugby: Sir Bill Beaumont calls for emergency meeting

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/47435119


World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont has called an emergency meeting to discuss the future of the international game.

Representatives from all tier-one countries - along with Fiji, Japan and the players' union - will gather in Dublin at the end of the month.

It follows widespread criticism of the latest proposals for a World League.

"I look forward to a constructive debate with my colleagues and productive outcomes," said Beaumont.

"Only by working together in the interests of the global game can we achieve something truly impactful in this important area for rugby's future global growth."

Beaumont added that "no decisions have been made" amid concerns over player welfare and the marginalising of the likes of Georgia and the Pacific Islands.

World Rugby insists it is in support of a promotion and relegation system in the league, but the Six Nations remains opposed to the concept.

This has contributed to the impasse, with sources fearing the Six Nations' stance could prove to be a roadblock for the development of emerging nations.

[pharvey]

I don't understand why the Six Nations teams are opposed to a relegation system?

[PH] Money..... Deals within existing member countries and TV rights. Personally I agree with the relegation system - Georgia should be given the chance.

World Rugby insists it is in support of a promotion and relegation system in the league, but the Six Nations remains opposed to the concept.

[EDIT] [PH] The proposed "World League" is also likely to be "Ring-fenced" i.e NO RELEGATION/PROMOTION.

This has contributed to the impasse, with sources fearing the Six Nations' stance could prove to be a roadblock for the development of emerging nations.

[PH] The proposed "World League" which will omit the likes of Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Georgia (an argument for the latter being in the 6 Nations) hardly shows a way forward. It's more games and money over players it's proposal/setup has also resulted in a possible boycott of the RWC by the Pacific Islanders.

[pharvey]

In other news, the WRU strike again..... Absolutely bloody incredible!!

Ospreys and Scarlets Set to Merge as WRU Plans Radical Changes

"Ospreys and Scarlets, two of Wales’ most successful sides since regional rugby’s inception in 2003, are poised to merge as part of a radical overhaul of its professional game. They could come together as soon as the start of next season if plans are given the go-ahead at Tuesday’s Professional Rugby Board meeting.

Talks regarding Project Reset have been held between the Welsh Rugby Union and its four professional sides – the other two being the Cardiff Blues and the Dragons. Staff at Scarlets, who are based in Llanelli, and Ospreys, based in Swansea, were informed of the potential merger. Details on the name of the team, where it would play and who would coach the regional side have yet to be finalised.

Under the proposal Wales would still have the four professional teams because the WRU wants to introduce a side in north Wales.

A large number of the Wales national side, who face Scotland on Saturday, represent Ospreys or Scarlets. Last week several leading players, including the Wales captain, Alun Wyn Jones, met Martyn Phillips, the WRU’s chief executive, to discuss the changes.

Phillips has previously stated “difficult decisions” will have to be made to ensure long-term success for the game’s future in Wales, with the governing body discussing a new salary banding system and a regional funding model. On Sunday the chairman of the WRU-owned Dragons, David Buttress, said: “Changes need to be made and we need to be bold in those changes.”

Speaking last week, Wales assistant coach Rob Howley said: “It’s uncertain times, which is disappointing. There is a lot of frustration, not only for the best players in Wales, but for their mates in the regions. There is an uncertainty about Project Reset, and they would like to know where they are going to be playing next year or in two years’ time.”"

Taken from: - https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/ ... ugby-union

Is there an Emoji with a Black Arm Band?

[PeteC]

Friday afternoon rugby starting at 1335 hours on True 669. Hurricanes vs Highlanders from Wellington, followed by Rebels vs Brumbies from Melbourne.

[PeteC]

A full day and evening of rugby on TRUE channel 669:

Crusaders vs Chiefs from Christchurch at 11:00 hours.

Blues vs Sunwolves from Auckland at 13:30

Waratahs vs Reds from Sydney at 15:30

Lions vs Jaguares from Johannesburg at 20:00

Bulls vs Sharks from Pretoria at 22:00

[PeteC]

Can't speak for the South Africans, but the other teams so far this Super Rugby season are really leaving a lot of points on the table through inaccurate kicking. Early days but terrible to lose a game because of missed extra points and/or penalty kicks.

[PeteC]

Super Rugby round 4

phpy2y7oaPM.jpg (12.03 KiB) Viewed 252 times

[PeteC]

I don't understand any of this at all. I'm a firm believer in "if it ain't broke don't fix it". Is it broken, or is this just 100% commercial to fill people's pockets and subsequently drive up player contract value? Of course the players need an equitable wage, but let's not go down the road of the NFL or NBA. Things like this give me visions of an attack by blood sucking insects.

Six Nations: Investors CVC want to buy stake in rugby's oldest championship

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/47547746

[PeteC]

Super Rugby round #5 (Thai time)

Fri 15 March: Chiefs v Hurricanes @ FMG Stadium, Hamilton (13:35)
Fri 15 March: Brumbies v Waratahs @ GIO Stadium, Canberra (15:45)
Fri 15 March: Stormers v Jaguares @ DHL Newlands, Cape Town (00:10)

Sat 16 March: Sunwolves v Reds @ Prince Chichibu Stadium, Tokyo (11:15)
Sat 16 March: Highlanders v Crusaders @ Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (13:35)
Sat 16 March: Lions v Rebels @ Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg (20:05)

Bye: Bulls, Sharks, Blues

[PeteC]

All of us picked the Hurricanes. Too soon to tell but the Chiefs haven't gone 5 and 0 since the 90's I think, and the Hurricanes haven't beaten the Chiefs away since 2007, I think. This could be a close one, and arguably the best of the weekend.

[PeteC]

Wow! That was one of those games where the spectators are as drained as the players. If you didn't see it live, see it on replay. The best Super Rugby match I've seen this year so far.

[PeteC]

SUPER RUGBY STATEMENT

The Highlanders v Crusaders Super Rugby match scheduled to be played at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium Saturday 16 March has been cancelled in response to yesterday’s terrorist attacks in Christchurch.
Full Statement: http://bit.ly/2F5loyt

It won't be rescheduled. It's handled per the below:

...."SANZAAR policy states that in the event of a match cancellation due to force majeure, the match will be officially declared a draw and both teams will receive 2 competition points."

[PeteC]

As far as Superbru is concerned the above match is listed as "abandoned", not a draw. No points for anyone.

[lindosfan1]

England v Scotland incredible match England leading 31.0, 2 minutes from the Scotland leading 38- 31 England score a try and convert and they draw unbelievable game.

[dtaai-maai]

Yes, it has to be one of the most amazing games I've ever seen. When I saw Eddie Jones' comment about how long it had been since Scotland had won at Twickenham, I thought he was tempting fate, but when England were 31-0 up after 30 mins I stopped worrying and wondered what the record score was.

It was such an amazing comeback by Scotland - 38 points without reply - until England equalised when the clock was in the red. A moral victory for Scotland, but I can't quite bring myself to feel pissed off.