I can perceive the reticence some rugby followers have in regards to the finals of the brand new Nations Championship possible being performed in Qatar from 2026.
I do get the place supporters are coming from with issues over whether or not our sport is dropping sight of its values by taking massive matches to the Center East and away from rugby heartlands, its historic stadiums, and the place most followers are based mostly.
However what I’d say is that I’m at present concerned in tasks within the space so not like many, I’ve first-hand expertise of what it is like on the market and the way such occasions are being delivered.
It’s my perception that rugby, like different sports activities, must preserve transferring ahead and embracing new alternatives or threat being left behind.
If something, rugby has been too sluggish to behave. Different sports activities – comparable to soccer, boxing, golf and darts – have already taken high-profile occasions to international locations comparable to Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
England are set to be a part of a brand new Nations Championship, with finals that might happen in Qatar
Different sports activities have already taken a variety of high-profile occasions to the nation and Saudi Arabia lately
Rugby wants to maneuver forwards and will embrace the transfer or it should threat being left behind by the opposite sports activities
They’ve had success in doing so. I additionally suppose in the long run that the creation of LIV Golf and the big-money Saudi funding will show to be a superb factor for his or her sport as nicely.
As I’ve made clear beforehand, the Nations Championship – which can happen each two years – is way from good as a result of it’s run by the Six Nations unions and the massive southern hemisphere groups. I do fear that with its creation, the tier-one international locations will solely transfer additional forward of the creating nations. Nonetheless, if Qatar does play host to the Nations Championship finals and a reported £800million in income could be raised, it’s critical {that a} vital a part of that cash goes to international locations like Georgia, Portugal, and others who wish to develop their rugby.
In fact, I’d additionally prefer to see massive video games happen and the highest groups play away in these international locations as nicely.
World Rugby have to be clear and make each effort to indicate how taking the sport to the Center East will assist the creating rugby nations, not simply deepen the pockets of the Six Nations and Rugby Championship sides. The Nations Championship is a brand new competitors.
To succeed, it must set itself aside and never get misplaced amongst the Rugby Championship, Six Nations, World Cup and the Champions Cup which all play out in comparable environments.
In the end, the reality is that rugby has fallen far behind different sports activities by way of finance and advertising and marketing. You possibly can see that by the truth that even the main unions and golf equipment are at present struggling on a financial foundation. It is no shock to me that the provide from Qatar is more likely to show too enticing to show down.
People can resolve for themselves on whether or not that is a superb factor or unhealthy. Everyone seems to be entitled to their opinion.
However personally, I don’t suppose rugby is promoting its soul if the game’s directors go down this path.
I’d anticipate Qatar to welcome followers in the identical approach we noticed them benefit from the 2022 soccer World Cup
In right this moment’s international world, sport operates inside a business market and rugby has to on the very least sustain with its rivals to have an opportunity of success. I am certain some individuals will say rugby should not be performed in international locations comparable to Qatar or Saudi due to human rights points.
Once more, they’re allowed to take that view. However from my expertise of working within the Center East, I’d say international locations within the area wish to transfer on from the previous. And, let’s be sincere, each nation has issues they don’t seem to be pleased with. That features England and the legacy of the British Empire.
We ought to be encouraging all international locations to affix the rugby household, embrace the sport’s values, and develop the game throughout the globe. In probably internet hosting the Nations Championship, I’d anticipate Qatar to welcome followers in the identical approach we noticed them benefit from the 2022 soccer World Cup which was successful.
It’s crucial Qatar helps each effort rugby is making to be extra inclusive.
Gamers and coaches travelling to Qatar to play does increase some issues by way of their welfare and the impression on the setting. One wonders what number of followers will journey too.
It’s critical {that a} vital a part of that cash goes to international locations like Georgia and others who wish to develop their rugby
However, as long as all these items are thought-about and those that take to the sphere are sorted, I believe it may have a optimistic, long-term impression on the game.
Rugby is struggling badly as it’s and it merely has to maneuver with the instances. If it would not, it should solely fall additional behind than it’s already.
