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World Rugby has officially pulled the plug on its proposed Nations Championship, also referred to as the World League. The new competition would have seen Tier 1 nations grouped in an annual competition with a year-end match to determine a yearly world champion. A similar model would have included several Tier 2 nations though details beyond a rough outline were never unveiled.
The highly controversial idea came under intense public scrutiny after a media leak revealed that World Rugby were considering Japan and the USA for the 11th and 12th teams for the Championship. After clarification that world ranking would determine the two Tier 2 sides to be included, much discussion centered around the mode of promotion or relegation, or whether it would be included at all.
Central to the idea was a significant financial offer from potential sponsor Infront Sports & Media. Tier 2 nations, however, were given no guarantees nor were they included in any discussions, which led to considerable protest from unions and fans alike. Other concerns regarding player welfare were tabled by the International Rugby Players Association.
The proposal was given a Friday deadline by World Rugby to move forward but required unanimous support from the Tier 1 nations. Set to begin in 2022, with the Nations Championship off the table the international calendar will instead follow the long-term agreement ratified at a March 2017 meeting in San Francisco.
Bill Beaumont, Chairman of World Rugby, says the new focus is on expanding the Rugby World Cup from 20 to 24 teams, potentially in time for RWC 2027.
“World Rugby undertook this important project with the best interests of the global game at heart in line with our vision to grow the sport as a game for all. While we are naturally disappointed that a unanimous position on the Nations Championship could not be achieved among our unions, we remain fully committed to exploring alternative ways to enhance the meaning, value and opportunity of international rugby for the betterment of all unions.
“This includes our continued commitment to competition and investment opportunities for emerging nations to increase the competitiveness of the international game with a view to possible Rugby World Cup expansion in 2027. I would like to thank all stakeholders for their detailed consideration and engagement, World Rugby’s executive team for their hard work and Infront Sports and Media for their full and ongoing support of our vision to grow rugby’s global footprint.”
