Category Archives: Rugby

AFTNews, Daily Digest, Rugby, Sport

Watch live: South Africa v New Zealand, RWC 1995 final – the game that transcended sport

This Saturday, the Rugby World Cup 1995 final that inspired millions of people around the world will unfold once again as another round of classic matches are brought to fans on World Rugby’s digital platforms.

The game played between the hosts South Africa and New Zealand was a fantastic display of rugby’s character-building values of solidarity and passion. In a post-apartheid South Africa, President Nelson Mandela presented the Webb Ellis Cup to Francois Pienaar wearing the same number six Springbok jersey, an iconic image that symbolised the new-found unity in the country and captured the imagination of the world.

The historic home Rugby World Cup win for the current world champions will be streamed live on the official Rugby World Cup Facebook page and World Rugby’s YouTube channel, complete with live blogging and commentary from those who were there that momentous day.

A long-lasting impact

The presence of Jonah Lomu in the All Blacks team, arguably rugby’s first global superstar, a build-up mired in controversy, and the triumphant return of South Africa to the sporting arena as a country reborn, led by the inspirational Nelson Mandela … it is no wonder the final of Rugby World Cup 1995 transcends the sport and was the subject of the Hollywood blockbuster movie, Invictus.

“Playing at home definitely was an advantage. The crowd support was unreal and gave us that extra edge needed for a close match like that.” recalled winning captain and Hall of Fame inductee Francois Pienaar, whose jersey worn on that historic day is on show at World Rugby Hall of Fame in Rugby, UK.

A quarter of a century later, the game continues to resonate as a call for unity and the recent coronation of Siya Kolisi’s Springboks at Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan echoes the 1995 final. In Mandela’s country, interest in rugby has significantly increased in 2019 with 68 per cent of the population being interested or very interested in the sport, the highest level in the world. [1]

Rugby is capturing the new generation’s imagination in South Africa, with 30 per cent of rugby followers interested in the sport for less than two years, and instigating positive values with 90% of respondents declaring that the “Rugby World Cup was played in the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play”. [1]

Inspiration on and off the field

President Mandela recognised sport’s unique ability to inspire when he famously said “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.”

Now Siya Kolisi’s incredible journey all the way to lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in Tokyo has once again inspired the masses back in his home country. He is currently heading a new initiative to aid South Africa’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic, delivering vital supplies of personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks and hand sanitiser to hospitals in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, where the 28-year-old current Springbok captain grew up.

Kolisi highlighted his desire to give back to his home country after the support he and his team received during Rugby World Cup 2019: “We were out there and could feel the support of the people behind us,” he said. “That’s why I think we fight and support as much as we can, because that’s what was given to us – that support. And we try to give it back now to the people that needed the most.”

The full list of Rugby World Cup matches being shown by World Rugby this weekend includes:

  • Friday, 24 April – RWC 2014 – England v Canada, 19:00 BST
  • Saturday, 25 April – RWC 1995 – South Africa v New Zealand, 19:00 BST
  • Sunday, 26 April – RWC 2015 – Scotland v Samoa, 16:00 BST

[1] Global rugby fan trends and insights (Nielsen) – the study took place in 17 markets between 5-26 November, 2019 with 500 nationally representative respondents per market.

AFTNews, Daily Digest, Rugby, Sport

World Rugby Statement: Francis Kean resignation

World Rugby notes the Fiji Rugby Union’s decision to stand down Fiji Rugby Union Chairman Ratu Vilikesa Bulewa Francis Kean from the World Rugby Council, and therefore withdrawing his candidature for the World Rugby Executive Committee, following new allegations published in the UK Sunday Times.

World Rugby takes all allegations of behaviour that is not in keeping with the sport’s strong and inclusive values and Bye-Laws extremely seriously.

While it is important to stress that any allegations must be validated, following dialogue with World Rugby, the Fiji Rugby Union recognises the seriousness of the allegations made and the need for them to be fully investigated, and that it is in the best interests of the sport that Mr Kean steps down from the Council and his Executive Committee candidature be withdrawn.

The Fiji Rugby Union have confirmed that their seat on the World Rugby Council will be filled by union CEO John O’Connor.

There are now seven nominations for seven seats on the World Rugby Executive Committee, which will be confirmed at the 2020 Annual Meeting of the World Rugby Council, held by teleconference on 12 May.

AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

World Rugby announces COVID-19 rugby relief strategy

  • All stakeholders unified in tackling the unprecedented COVID-19 challenge
  • Productive dialogue progresses on return to rugby options for the global game
  • All potential activities dependent on the global COVID-19 situation
  • Approximately US$100 million World Rugby relief fund available for unions
  • Collaborative process delivers blueprint for potential long-term calendar overhaul

World Rugby has announced details of a dedicated COVID-19 relief strategy aimed at supporting the global game and mitigating the overall impact of the pandemic on the sport.

Underpinned by a relief fund of approximately US$100 million to assist unions through to the resumption of the sport, the strategy reflects World Rugby’s commitment to leading the sport through its greatest challenge and is a result of cross-game collaboration that has enabled key decisions to be taken in the spirit of solidarity and partnership.

The relief fund will be available for unions requiring immediate emergency funding subject to appropriate criteria being met. It is designed to assist the maximum number of unions for the maximum amount of time while there is a rugby void.

For 6 Nations and SANZAAR unions, the financial package will potentially involve a combination of advances and loans, while World Rugby is also committed to supporting emerging nations and regional associations where required.

2020 international calendar progress

In tandem with an extensive financial assessment, World Rugby, in full partnership with 6 Nations, SANZAAR, unions (in consultation with their leagues) and International Rugby Players, continues to progress a variety of return-to-rugby plans, including the delivery of a viable 2020 international competition calendar subject to the relevant government and health authority advice.

This includes likely short-term reshaping of the international rugby calendar, optimising competition opportunities for unions and domestic leagues. As a prudent precaution, further scenario planning factors in a competition environment where cross-hemisphere travel might not be possible and, in the worst-case scenario, where no international rugby is possible this year.

While initially a response to an unprecedented crisis, the modelling work achieved potentially provides direction for long-term reform of the rugby calendar.

Central to the contingency planning is player welfare and all potential scenarios have involved International Rugby Players input and recognise the need for adequate player preparation and rest.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Global sport is facing a crisis never seen before and at this most challenging time we are taking unprecedented action as a sport united to support global rugby, its unions, competitions and players through the enormous challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The measures announced today will provide support and short-term relief in the form of a US$100 million relief fund, while we are committed to exploring calendar options that reflect and address a dynamic, complex and uncertain environment.

“I have chaired many productive meetings in recent weeks with my union, region, competition and player colleagues and we are rapidly moving towards a viable calendar solution and, while compromises are being made, the outcome will be in the best interests of the whole game.

“This is a process with solidarity, unity and leadership at heart – one that sets a potential blueprint for successful collaboration in the future and I would like to thank everyone for their openness, cooperation and global view.”

AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

World Rugby confirms election nominations

World Rugby has confirmed the nominations for the positions of Chairman and Vice-Chairman, which will be determined at the annual meeting of Council on 12 May, 2020.

In accordance with the World Rugby Bye-Laws, member unions were invited to submit nominations for the position of World Rugby Chairman and/or Vice-Chairman by the closing date of 12 April, 2020. All nominations had to be proposed and seconded by a member union and/or Regional Association.

Beaumont and Pichot nominated for Chairman
Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont is standing for a second term and has been nominated and proposed by the Fédération Française de Rugby and seconded by the Fiji Rugby Union.

Vice-Chairman Agustín Pichot (Union Argentina de Rugby) was nominated and proposed by Unión Argentina de Rugby and seconded by Rugby Australia and Sudamérica Rugby.

Bernard Laporte nominated for Vice-Chairman
Fédération Française de Rugby President Bernard Laporte has been nominated and proposed by the Rugby Football Union and seconded by Federația Română de Rugby .

Where contested, Chairman and Vice-Chairman candidates must achieve a simple majority of the votes held by the members of Council present, in line with the electoral process set out under the bye-law. The vote numbers will be published.

Executive Committee nominations
Eight nominations have been received for the seven available positions on the World Rugby Executive Committee

  • Mark Alexander (South African Rugby Union), nominated and proposed by Rugby Africa and the South African Rugby Union and seconded by New Zealand Rugby and the South African Rugby Union.
  • Khaled Babbou (Rugby Africa), nominated and proposed by Rugby Africa and seconded by the South African Rugby Union and the Fédération Française de Rugby.
  • Bart Campbell (New Zealand Rugby), nominated and proposed by New Zealand Rugby and seconded by the South African Rugby Union.
  • Gareth Davies (Welsh Rugby Union), nominated and proposed by the Scottish Rugby Union and seconded by the Welsh Rugby Union.
  • John Jeffrey (Scottish Rugby Union), nominated and proposed by the Welsh Rugby Union and seconded by the Irish Rugby Football Union.
  • Ratu Vilikesa Bulewa Francis Kean (Fiji Rugby Union), nominated and proposed by the Fiji Rugby Union and seconded by the Fédération Française de Rugby.
  • Bob Latham (USA Rugby), nominated and proposed by USA Rugby and seconded by Rugby Americas North.
  • Brett Robinson (Rugby Australia), proposed and nominated by Rugby Australia and seconded by the Unión Argentina de Rugby.

To be elected, Executive Committee nominees need to be one of the seven candidates who win the highest number of votes.

With the current COVID-19 pandemic making it impossible for meetings to go ahead as scheduled, World Rugby has confirmed that the schedule of May Council and committee meetings will be held remotely. For the Council meeting, PwC has been appointed as independent auditors for the election.

The Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Executive Committee will be elected for a period of four years commencing immediately after the results are announced by the auditor to Council on 12 May.

AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

World Rugby Statement: HSBC World Rugby Challenger Series postponed

World Rugby has taken the decision to postpone the women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series tournament that was due to be played in Stellenbosch on 28 and 29 March in response to the continued COVID-19 situation.

The health and safety of participating teams, tournament event staff and spectators is our highest priority. This proactive decision has been taken to help protect the global rugby community and the wider public and was taken based on the World Health Organisation and relevant public authority travel and health guidelines. The decision is fully supported by stakeholders, including unions and commercial partners.

Further details in relation to the rearrangement of the Stellenbosch women’s HSBC World Rugby Challenger Series event will be communicated in due course.  

Rugby, Sport

World Rugby sets four-year blueprint to develop future stars of the emerging unions

World Rugby has announced details of the new strategy for its High Performance Combine in the Pacific Islands, focusing on identifying, developing and investing in domestic Pacific Island talent to participate at Rugby World Cup 2023 and 2027.

Launched in 2018, 51 players have graduated from the High Performance Combines in the Pacific Islands of which 13 players were prepared for international rugby with Frank Lomani (Fiji) and James Faiva (Tonga) progressing to star at Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.

The World Rugby-funded programme gives emerging talent access to some of the world’s best coaches and strength and conditioning experts, preparing players for the modern elite rugby environment. The programme is delivered in cooperation with the Pacific Rugby Players who assist to deliver wellbeing and personal development workshops.

Players are assessed and evaluated at the conclusion of the Combine by World Rugby’s High Performance consultants with the programme’s elite being offered an opportunity to be placed within the world’s elite competitions. World Rugby’s Scholarship programme has seen players placed into teams with the Gallagher Premiership, Global Rapid Rugby, Mitre 10, Major League Rugby, PRO14, Superliga Americana de Rugby and Super Rugby.

The new four-year cycle begins with the Pacific Combine in Suva, Fiji, on 15-18 March, which is hosted immediately after the World Rugby Pacific Challenge 2020 (6-14 March). The programme will run annually with the aim to nurture test-level talents and reflects World Rugby’s wider commitment to support Pacific Islands unions.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaummont said: “Greater depth of competition at Rugby World Cup is dependent on robust strategies to lift high performance and the Pacific Challenge, combined with the Pacific Combine, is a proven developer and enabler of Pacific Island talent, creating a pathway to international rugby. I would like to wish everyone involved in this project the very best of luck.”

WATCH PACIFIC COMBINE WORLD RUGBY FILM >>

A twin programme in the Americas

A twin project will offer a similar long-term vision on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. Working closely with Rugby Canada and USA Rugby, the North America Combine will aim to identify prospective talents and invite them to participate in both unions high-performance academies, the Pacific Pride (Canada) and the USA Rugby National Academy (USA).

Following the North America Combine, which is scheduled for 21-27 June in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, selected players will be offered full-time scholarships in their unions high performance academy system.

The immersion and exposure of academy level players into high performance environments will fast track the development of targeted players, while increasing the domestic North American player pool available for Major League Rugby (MLR) teams. By increasing the competitiveness and quality of the MLR, the programme will enhance the high-performance outcomes of both Canada and the USA national teams.

World Rugby Vice-Chairman and Americas Rugby President Agustín Pichot said: “The development of a truly global game requires a global vision for the development and promotion of the best emerging talent from unions where a high performance programme is hard to access.

“The North America Combine is an innovative and exciting programme that does not just identify talent. It nurtures and supports players on and off the field, providing a club and a community that supports a player in being the best they can be as a person and as a player.”

World Rugby General Manager High Performance Peter Horne said: “The High Performance Combine programme is an amazing opportunity for Pacific Islands and North America to identify and develop the most promising talents in their region.

“The Combine has proven its effectiveness with successful alumni making it to the highest level and we are delighted to renew our commitment with a long-term vision that will increase unions’ competitiveness.”

Rugby, Sport

New research links Japan’s Rugby World Cup hosting with national pride and excitement boost

Rugby World Cup hosting was a catalyst for national pride growth in Japan, capturing the imagination, growing rugby interest and leaving a positive legacy for the sport, according to a major new study.


Japan 2019, which was won by South Africa, saw the best-ever performance of the Japanese Brave Blossoms as the hosts became the first team from Asia to reach the quarter-finals during a tournament that broke viewership, engagement, match and fan-zone attendance records.

GAME-CHANGING RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019 IS A RECORD-BREAKER >>

Another major endorsement of the significant positive impact of Rugby World Cup as a high return on investment proposition for host nations and unions, the Nielsen Sports DNA study immediately after the tournament determined:

  • 78 per cent of the general public thought that Rugby World Cup hosting in a so-called “non-traditional” rugby market was positive for the future of the sport
  • 46 per cent of the general public thought Rugby World Cup was the most exciting sporting event of 2019 (70 per cent in Japan), compared to 25 per cent who disagreed, demonstrating the value of hosting to international marketing and national pride
  • The level of Rugby World Cup interest almost doubled from 26 per cent in 2018 to 44 per cent in 2019, representing more than 50 million people
  • Nine out of 10 people in Japan believed that Rugby World Cup hosting captured the imagination, boosting national pride, excitement and engagement
  • Nine out of 10 people in Japan got behind the national team on their run to the quarter-finals, reflecting a 33 per cent increase in ‘niwaka fans’ or new fans during the tournament
  • 83 per cent of people in Japan believe that hosting Rugby World Cup generated a positive legacy for rugby, delivering future major rugby event hosting opportunities for Japan
  • 50 per cent of those in Japan who followed Rugby World Cup had become interested in the sport in the last year, highlighting the significant legacy opportunity for host nations
  • 54 per cent of those in Japan who followed the tournament were doing so for the first time
  • 74 per cent of Japanese who were aware of Rugby World Cup believe that the tournament will encourage more children to play the sport

Almost half the population – a staggering 54.8 million – tuned-in on national free-to-air broadcaster NTV to watch Japan’s decisive pool match against Scotland, representing a single market audience record for rugby, while a record 1.2 million people visited fan-zones the length and breadth of the nation.

Another record was set with a 99.3 per cent of available tickets sold across the 45 matches, reinforcing Rugby World Cup as one of the must-see events. More than 400,000 international visitors travelled to Japan, many for the first time, to witness a unique celebration of rugby and Japanese culture.


Importantly, a dedicated partnership between World Rugby, Asia Rugby and the Japan Rugby Football Union saw 2.27 million new participants get into rugby in Asia since 2016 (1.17 million in Japan) through an innovative participation model.

A dual selection process for 2027 and 2031

The research comes as World Rugby prepares to announce details of the host selection process for Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2031.

The dual selection process, which will launch later this month, will enable World Rugby to select an optimal combination of hosts, as achieved for England 2015 and Japan 2019. The process will give successful candidates a longer preparation time that will optimise deliver and cost management.


World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “We believe that Japan 2019 was one of the great Rugby World Cups and this latest study proves that hosting is of significant value to the host nation.


“Rugby World Cup is not just a six-week world-class sporting event, it is an attraction, a driver of sporting, social and economic growth and a low-investment, high return-on-investment proposition for host nations and host unions.


“Japan was a model of that statement. It maximised the hosting opportunity with full buy-in from national governments, host cities and the wider public. It was a unique shop window for the whole of Japan, its culture, tourism and business.”

AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

Rugby World Cup 2021 set to break new ground as tournament dates are announced

  • The dates for RWC 2021 have been announced as tournament heads to Southern Hemisphere for first time
  • Matches to be played at Waitakere Stadium, Northland Events Centre and Auckland’s Eden Park from 18 September to 16 October 2021
  • Tournament brand unveiled symbolising the power and growth of women’s rugby
  • World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont praises preparations
  • Spark Sport announced as host broadcast rights holder for RWC 2021

With just over 18 months to go, World Rugby and New Zealand Rugby have today marked another exciting milestone on the road to Rugby World Cup 2021 (RWC 2021) with the announcement of the tournament dates and the unveiling of the tournament brand in front of a special gathering at the venue for the final, Auckland’s Eden Park.

With the draw to be undertaken later this year, RWC 2021 matches will be played across three world-class venues – Waitakere Stadium, Whangarei’s Northland Events Centre and Auckland’s Eden Park – in what will be a significant milestone for women’s rugby in the southern hemisphere.

The pool stage of the competition will be contested across three match days – Saturday 18, Thursday 23 and Tuesday 28 September – and will be hosted at Waitakere Stadium and Whangarei’s Northland Events Centre.

The quarter-finals, which are a new addition to the women’s competition for RWC 2021, will take place on Sunday 3 October at the aforementioned venues. Eden Park will host the semi-finals on Saturday 9 October before the bronze match and RWC 2021 final will be held on Saturday 16 October. For New Zealand viewers, all games will be broadcast live and on demand by official RWC 2021 host broadcast rights holder Spark Sport, with selected games televised free-to-air.

The tournament brand unveiled today has been developed by World Rugby and New Zealand Rugby in close consultation with local cultural advisors. The RWC 2021 brand has the vitality and connectivity of the ocean’s waters at its heart and features the ‘Ngaru’ – a symbol of the ocean’s waves that surround New Zealand and the many shores that teams will travel from to compete in this ground-breaking tournament. Watch the brand video here.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont, Rugby World Cup 2021 Tournament Director Alison Hughes and General Manager of Women’s Rugby Kate Sadleir are in New Zealand for venue visits to help the host venues and host cities prepare for the southern hemisphere’s first hosting of the showcase tournament.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Women’s rugby is the single-biggest opportunity to grow the global game, and we are confident that New Zealand 2021 will be one of the great Rugby World Cups, attracting a new fan and player base for the sport.

“RWC 2021 follows a hugely successful 2017 event in Ireland which broke attendance and broadcast records, having a hugely positive impact on women’s rugby. Last year we successfully launched ‘Try and Stop Us’, a campaign that aims to drive increased participation and engagement among fans, audiences, players and investors in the women’s game.

“It is a privilege to be here in New Zealand and to see the huge amount of work that has already gone into ensuring this will be another spectacular tournament for the world’s best women’s teams.”

NZR Chief Executive Mark Robinson welcomed the World Rugby officials to Eden Park today, marking a key milestone in the logistical preparation required for hosting one of World Rugby’s pinnacle events.

“This is an event we are very excited to be hosting and we can’t wait to have the world’s best women’s teams play here. The Black Ferns love playing at home and I know they are excited at the prospect of retaining the Rugby World Cup at home.

“Together with the support from Central Government, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, and Whangarei District Council we are committed to working alongside World Rugby to deliver an exciting event that continues to grow the game and deliver benefits for rugby in New Zealand and globally.

“As part of the bid team that presented to World Rugby in Dublin in 2018, it is now a real privilege to continue to be involved in the delivery of the tournament and to see preparations come to life.

“We share World Rugby’s global ambition of getting more women and girls involved in rugby and RWC 2021 is a great way to showcase women’s rugby at an elite level and provide inspiration for boys and girls to get involved in our game,” Robinson said.

RWC 2021 will be the first RWC to adopt a gender-neutral naming approach after World Rugby announced last year that its flagship 15s and sevens RWC properties will no longer include gender in their titles, furthering its commitment to equality and brand consistency across its portfolio.

Beaumont added: “We are proud that RWC has adopted a gender-neutral naming approach to its properties – a bold and important move – and we are looking forward to seeing this come to life following the unveiling of the tournament brand here in Auckland today.”

RWC 2021 Organising Committee Chair Dame Julie Christie said: “New Zealand Rugby is highly experienced in the operational planning and delivery of world class events with sustainable commercial returns and plans are already well on track to make RWC 2021 an outstanding event.”

The event was held at Eden Park with Black Ferns Kendra Cocksedge, Aleisha-Pearl Nelson, Charmaine McMenamin, Ruahei Demant and Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu running a skills and drills session with children from Birkdale Primary, Ahuroa School, Horizon School and Woodhill School.

The RWC 2021 supports World Rugby’s Women’s Plan 2017-25, NZR’s Women’s Rugby Strategy and the New Zealand Government’s Women and Girls in Sport and Active Recreation Strategy.

AFTNews, Rugby

Statement on behalf of independent World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont

It has been confirmed that independent World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont will be running for re-election as Chairman in the upcoming in May. Below is the statement released on his behalf by World Rugby.

Having consulted with my union and region colleagues and my family, I can confirm that I will be seeking re-election as World Rugby Chairman at the Council meeting in May.

I will be standing with Fédération Française de Rugby President Bernard Laporte as my candidate for Vice-Chairman.

Bernard is a great servant of the game and shares my vision for a strong, sustainable and inclusive game that provides even greater opportunity for expansion and growth.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this four-year term and have always sought to lead for the global game, not the few, by engaging with all levels of our sport to understand what really matters to our unions, players, fans, broadcasters and commercial partners.

Through this spirit of engagement and partnership, collectively we have achieved a great deal and I would like to thank the World Rugby membership for their commitment to taking a global perspective, enabling us to:

  • Deliver a truly game-changing and record-breaking Rugby World Cup 2019 igniting rugby growth in Asia, a special Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017, an innovative Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 and a fantastic Olympic Games debut
  • Fuel record participation and rapid fan growth driven by young people, largely female, in emerging rugby markets
  • Put player welfare at the heart of all our decisions, implementing an evidence-based approach to stabilize injuries and reduce concussion risk in the game
  • Implement historic governance reform, delivering an agile, fit-for-purpose decision-making structure, furthering the role and contribution of women on Council and across our committees
  • Launch our ambitious 2017-25 Women’s Plan, driving forward new and meaningful competition, commercial, participation, profile and leadership opportunities
  • Reform our eligibility rules for international representation, protecting the integrity of the test environment

Serving the game is a privilege and while we have made great, game-changing progress over the last four years and accelerate into a new decade in excellent shape, there is much work to be done. I am excited by the future and the opportunities for rugby and should I be re-elected, Bernard and I would:

  • Undertake further governance reform of World Rugby structures
  • Reinforce the international competition structure with a focus on unions outside of the Six Nations and The Rugby Championship
  • Strengthen the financial sustainability of the game
  • Strengthen and accelerate the development of women in rugby
  • Promote greater player dialogue with a particular focus on player welfare

World Rugby is a strong organization, and it is important that we further reform our decision-making structures for the betterment of all in the game as we accelerate into a new decade full of opportunity. The global rugby landscape is constantly changing and there is opportunity, and necessity, to implement structured and consistent international competitions, supporting the development of our unions, especially those who do not participate in the Six Nations and The Rugby Championship, while generating further engagement, interest and commercial investment.

I will be unveiling further details of our five-point manifesto in due course.

AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

Five women’s teams unbeaten on day one in Hamilton

The top five women’s teams in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020 will all go into the deciding round of pool matches at the HSBC New Zealand Sevens in Hamilton unbeaten after day one at FMG Stadium.

Hosts and series leaders New Zealand, Olympic champions Australia and France currently sit top of their respective pools, the latter two on points difference only from USA and Canada respectively, after all enjoyed two victories from two on Saturday.

Fiji and China were the two other winners on the opening day of the first ever women’s series event in New Zealand, Fiji having held on to beat England in their opener after a impressive first-half display but then lost to 19-12 to the weekend’s invitational side China thanks a late brace by Yang Feifei.

VIEW FIXTURES/RESULTS >>VIEW POOLS >>
The pool stage concludes on 26 January after which the three teams topping their respective pools and the best runner-up will progress straight to the Cup semi-finals. The other teams will go into play-offs to determine the rankings from fifth to 12th.

READ FULL REPORT >>
This weekend’s tournament is the first women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series event to be held in New Zealand and comes as World Rugby has expanded the women’s series to a record eight rounds this season.

The 2020 women’s series has already toured to the USA, Dubai and Cape Town, the latter two and Hamilton being combined men’s and women’s events.

Hamilton also marks the start of an Olympic year for rugby sevens where it will be played as part of the Olympic Games programme for the second time in Tokyo this summer.

The action in Hamilton gets back underway at 08:45 local time (GMT+13) on 26 January with Spain’s Pool C encounter against Ireland.

Follow the action unfold on www.world.rugby/sevens or @WorldRugby7s