In a media release,the RRW (Regional Rugby Wales), the 4 Welsh Regions have put their weight behind the break away by the Anglo-French Clubs from the current format of the ERC (European Rugby Cahampionship). The ERC currently run the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup tournaments.
This now adds added impetus to the newly proposed Rugby Champions Cup competition, initiated by English and French Clubs after unhappiness with the format for qualification of the ERC competitions and the distribution of income in the competitions. The Celtic League, Irish, Scotish and Welsh clubs qualify easier than the English and French Clubs at present.
The Press Release is as follows:
“Regional Rugby Wales (RRW) on behalf of the four Welsh Regions confirms its full support for the proposed new Rugby Champions Cup Competitions.”
“Whilst there remain elements of detail to be confirmed, it is now clear that there are a number of significant advantages to the new competitions in equality of governance, format, qualification and distribution across the individual participating Clubs.”
“Consequently, RRW looks forward to working with the WRU to support their efforts and positive engagement in striving to ensure our teams are involved in strong, valuable European Clubs Competitions in time for next season.”
Is this paving the way for the dissolution of SANZAR as we know it and participation of a couple of SA teams in the new competition.
1 @ Lion4ever:
The stick in the mud will still be the IRB itself because it seems they do not want a cross-hemisphere club / provincial competition, just yet.
@ grootblousmile:
The sooner the IRB realise that they are in plce to SERVE the game and make decisions that will promote the game at all levels and geographical areas the better.
Currently it appears to me that the majority of the sport’s administrators are not really in it for anything more than personal betterment, and the vast majority of Rugby related decisions are made without always prioritising the pro’s and con’s around what the implications of that decision are.
So sad really that what was for a Century an amateur sport that managed to flourish and grow, has, in the space of less than 2 decades become a cesspool of maladminstration and poor decision making since turning professional.
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