As the Rugby World Cup is currently taking place in France, a lot of people would have seen the heroics of Fiji, Portugal and even Uruguay at this year’s tournament, but what will happen to these teams when the tournament is over in five weeks time?
When we think of rugby, our minds often wander to the glamour and glory of international tournaments like the Six Nations Championship or The Rugby Championship. These competitions feature the world’s rugby giants, with millions of fans eagerly watching their every move. However, after watching the RWC thus far, is it not time to shine a spotlight on a group of dedicated athletes who play in the shadows of these giants?
If the game of Rugby Union wants to grow and prosper it needs to help the lesser nations shall we call them. Tier 2 rugby players epitomize the true essence of the sport. They often lack the lucrative contracts and media attention enjoyed by Tier 1 players, yet they continue to give their all on the field.
It’s time World Rugby helped these nations by giving them a tournament, even giving them air time on one of the big channels or play as a pre cursor to the Six Nations Championship.
The next two Rugby World Cups are on in Australia and American, while having one in the Staes is a big welcome, going to a country like Australia where rugby is already massive doesn’t make much sense for me. Why not Italy, South America or even Spain? Grow the game in places where they are trying to make rugby big.
One idea that comes up every year when the Six Nations is on, is whether there should be a promotion or relegation for the tournament? This is an idea that should be seriously considered for a whole host of reasons one of them being of rugby across Europe.
The Six Nations is currently dominated by a select group of wealthy rugby nations, leaving other European countries with limited opportunities for growth. The introduction of promotion and relegation would provide a clear pathway for emerging rugby nations to showcase their talent on a bigger stage. This exposure would help these nations attract sponsors, develop grassroots programs, and improve the quality of their rugby infrastructure.
Furthermore, the inclusion of more nations in the Six Nations could lead to increased interest in rugby in those countries. Rugby has the potential to become a truly pan-European sport, and the Six Nations could play a crucial role in its expansion. If you listening World Rugby, please make this happen!
In the meantime there will be some great odds offered by casino brands in Ireland on who will win the Rugby World Cup. Who do you fancy to take home the William Webb Ellis?