RPA warns of a mass player revolt over Seven Nations plot
Damian Hopley has warned rugby chiefs they could face another backlash if they ignore the views of the world’s leading players in any plans to expand the Six Nations by including South Africa.
Hopley, chief executive of the Rugby Players Association which looks after England’s leading players, believes the failure of World Rugby’s plan for a Nations Championship which was due to start in 2022 should act as warning to those bidding to create a new-look championship in Europe.
Ireland captain Jonny Sexton, in his role as president of the International Rugby Players’ Council, last year led the chorus of disapproval from the sport’s leading players for the Nations Championship and Hopley is confident the united front delivered in the face of that threat to player welfare would be triggered by any change to the Six Nations that increases the demands on those taking part.
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1226900254278242306
A Seven Nations, shoe horned into an already packed Northern Hemisphere schedule, would put extreme pressure on players with an expanded championship giving the competing teams just one week off.
If a team had their bye on the opening weekend of fixtures it would leave them facing six successive test matches without a break.
Hopley said: “If you look at the failed attempt at launching the Nations Championship by World Rugby, that effectively died a death when seven of the sport’s leading captains came out and said it wouldn’t work based on player welfare.
“That sent a very clear message that we are all partners in this game and everyone should be afforded that importance when you are talking about how the game operates. Clearly, the players’ voices are the most important because you want to make sure you have a team to run out there for the matches.
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1226895793640132608
“You would expect there would be a strong player consultation going forward as you don’t want to go down the same road again because it becomes self-defeating.
“When the Six Nations has discussed moving to a six week schedule for the tournament there were concerns about player welfare, and Scotland were concerned about not having the strength in depth to be able to get a team through the intensity of that kind of six week window.”
The successful campaign against the Nations Championship showed the impact a united approach by the top players could have, and with a seemingly constant search by administrators for investment through new television deals, a number of new tournament scenarios are reportedly being discussed.
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1226878137759342592
“The opposition to the Nations Championship was a massive step forward,” added Hopley.
“One thing that doesn’t happen enough around all of these ideas is player consultation, and we can get better at it.
“The 2019 Rugby World Cup was a massive success and the players had a huge role in that, and going forward on the back of what happened to the Nations Championship you would expect players to be consulted and I am sure they will have strong views.
“The players are pretty much aligned around tournament structure, player welfare and rest periods and trying to find a better formula.”
Watch: Eddie Jones warns against Six Nations expansion
Comments on RugbyPass
Kinda strange that he wasn’t with a premiership team or a higher level of rugby? Start playing late or something? With that kind of size and athleticism you’d think someone would have picked him up?
2 Go to commentsShows how much attitude matters. Last week the Brumbies got done, this week they dominated the tournament leaders, who were likely thinking they could cruise to victory.
4 Go to commentsA Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
4 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
4 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
2 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
2 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to comments