World Rugby

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World Rugby will not bail out SA Rugby and Sanzaar partners

World Rugby have made it clear that should the worst case scenario play out, the global body will not be able to bail out Sanzaar.

World Rugby

https://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/RugbyWorldCup2019/tennis-star-djokovic-backs-boks-at-rugby-world-cup-20190918

World Rugby vice-chairman Agustin Pichot said the governing body would not be bailing out SANZAAR nations that are struggling financially due to the suspension of the 2020 season.

SA Rugby have estimated that they could lose R200 million if the season is entirely called off, but the total impact on Sanzaar could be as much as £400 million (approximately R9 billion).

World Rugby doesn’t have the money

The former Pumas scrumhalf and number two to Bill Beaumont said Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa must work together to tackle the crisis.

Australian Rugby is in a precarious position, but if they should fold the effect would be catastrophic for their partners New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina.

Pichot said that World Rugby simply did not have the money to bail out the Southern Hemisphere’s giants.

“Because if Australia falls, then it hits straight to New Zealand first, then it will hit South Africa and Argentina. So we all fall,” Pichot said during an appearance on The Breakdown programme on Sky Sports New Zealand.

“There’s no individual way. The first issue we need to address is [the ongoing global health crisis] and mitigate it.

“It’s not about World Rugby giving handouts, because there’s no handout possible. World Rugby does not have the 400 million pounds.”

Revisiting the financial viability of Super Rugby

Pichot urged Sanzaar to examine the ongoing financial viability of its competitions (Super Rugby and the Rugby Championship). The former halfback also suggested that Sanzaar consider admitting Japan and Fiji into their regional international tournament. Fiji and Japan currently compete in the Pacific Nations Cup. Still, their inclusion in the Rugby Championship could help Sanzaar increase their earning potential and revive flagging interest in the competition.

“Maybe you find out that that competition cannot be played because it is not profitable or is too much of a burden,” he added.

“Even in Argentina, can we really afford to carry on Super Rugby with the Jaguares having to pay for the trips all round the world?

“Maybe we have to fold Jaguares and look for other alternatives.”

Pichot will run for the position of World Rugby Chairman in the hopes of reforming the global game and giving emerging nations more say, while Beaumont has also promised reform.

The Southern Hemisphere powers are expected to back Pichot as Beaumont wants to revive lans for a global international ‘league of nations’ tournament which the Sanzaar countries helped blocked in 2019. 

Watch the latest episode of the Breakdown

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