rugby world cup 2019

Pacific players call for major rule changes after World Cup disappointments

7 Comments
By Adrian Warner

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How about join the two with relegation / promotion?

I like this idea. It would be great.

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Something definitely has to be done.

The majority of RWC group games have been (and usually always are) largely irrelevant.

Japan seems to have broken through and now kind of straddles Tier 1 and Tier 2, but the other Tier 2 nations are miles away.

The Pacific island players need more reasons to stay with their native countries. This probably comes down to money, so I think the main solution will be related to getting a lot more funding to the Pacific island nations governing bodies.

Sure the best players can still go and make their money playing in the best leagues, but that shouldn't automatically mean changing allegiance, especially after only 3 years of residency - that rule should be increased to at least 5 years.

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How about join the two with relegation / promotion? (Ignoring the fact that SA isn't in the Pacific, and Argentina only just)

Am not against the idea in principle but this would hurt (massive understatement) the relegated union, especially Oz/argies (and even saffas). Oz rugby has been struggling financially for years (near bankrupt) and 12 months - possibly 24- without playing at least 1 ideally 2 bledisloe cup games on home soil (2 x 70-80k), a couple of 30-40k games vs saffas & argies would financially ruin the ARU. The NH are having the same issue with 6N & Georgia, Romania etc Scots, Italians and others just can't afford a year without the 6N, 3 x 60k home crowds, TV $ etc.

I'd like to see the RC & 6N expand -eventually- not kick Italy, sco, oz, or whoever finishes last, out.

Re PI rugby, a 100% P.I super rugby franchise based in auckland/sydney would imo make more sense (sanzaar again rejected the Fiji/P.I bid last year).

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Japan has broken through to be between tier one and two BECAUSE it includes so many Pacific Island players. No other reason.

Just change eligibility to that of soccer... Tier one teams lose some of their best players and Tonga, Samoa and Fiji could field world class teams.

Easy Peasy!

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