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It's time for rugby to act – Andy Goode
By Andy Goode
The leading nations in world rugby have to end the self-interest and short-termism that has blighted the game and come together to better support so-called Tier 2 nations and the time is now.
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Every four years we pay lip service to the fact the likes of Romania, Namibia, the Pacific Island nations and others are fighting an uphill battle before the issue fades into the background again and action is needed straight away for the good of the sport.
Samoa and Namibia, for example, played just 11 official Tests between the 2019 and 2023 World Cups. How is anyone supposed to improve when they’re playing three matches a year, especially when those are against Madagascar or Burkina Faso or even against the other nations of a similar standard at this tournament.
They need to be given the opportunity to play the more established nations far more often as well as playing more regular rugby in general and being supported financially and with regard to the infrastructure that can help them to compete further down the line.
The scheduling has improved at this tournament, although we have seen Namibia play four games in 18 days, but we’ve seen some complete hammerings that are not a good look for the sport and lay bare the fact that far more needs to be done.
Namibia shipped 255 points in their four games and Romania are on 242 and counting so are surely going to beat that but Italy are a so-called Tier 1 nation and conceded 96 points against the All Blacks so it isn’t a reason to keep them away from the big boys.
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We know a new biennial competition is incoming in 2026 involving the Six Nations and Rugby Championship sides plus a couple of others, with a second tier version underneath it and promotion and relegation supposedly set to be a part of it eventually.
That is three years away though and doesn’t go far enough. I understand the difficulties of scheduling but rugby needs to act far faster. Japan are a prime example of how momentum can be lost as they shocked the world in 2015, beat Ireland and Scotland at a home World Cup in 2019 but have faded badly since.
At least they have played the likes of France, New Zealand, England, Ireland, Australia and Scotland since the last major tournament but they still aren’t involved in one of the top annual tournaments and 17 Tests between World Cups for them isn’t enough.
For comparison, the likes of England play around 40 Tests in a four-year period. There should be more onus on the top nations in world rugby to help less established nations even if it isn’t financially beneficial for them or the sport will shrink rather than grow in the long run.
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Fiji have beaten Australia for the first time in 69 years at this tournament, are everyone’s second team and have benefitted from some changes made in recent years with a team in Super Rugby and more structure to their game as a result.
The big question on everyone’s lips is whether they’re going to be admitted into The Rugby Championship, though, and the answer is they should be in there already but they probably don’t bring enough to the table financially.
A promotion/relegation play-off should be brought into the Six Nations but The Rugby Championship just has no excuse not to expand, especially with the Wallabies struggling badly now and South Africa with their eyes on the northern hemisphere.
There are problems everywhere and the sad news of Jersey’s demise this week, adding to the three Premiership clubs that have gone bust, isn’t completely unconnected from this issue at all.
If rugby truly wants to grow and improve as a sport, then there has to be a more long-term vision and somehow the top nations have to be encouraged to do more rather than just feathering their own nest.
It’s great that once we get to the knockout stages of this World Cup we’ll be able to talk about Ireland, France, South Africa and New Zealand as genuine contenders to win it and, of course, you can’t write off the likes of England and Wales as well but that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
The Rugby League World Cup has been pushed back 12 months, reduced in scale and there are only ever three teams that can win it anyway. That could very easily happen in rugby union as well if the right decisions aren’t made today.
An expansion to 24 teams is expected ahead of the next Rugby World Cup but the devil will be in the detail when it comes to whether that is likely to be an improvement and it’s really what happens between tournaments that is far more important.
Aligning the global calendar is still massively pivotal to all this but is an age old debate that will run and run but the Six Nations countries and particularly SANZAAR have to be made to see the bigger picture rather than running a closed shop and acting in self-interest.
Scotland are due to tour the Pacific Islands next year, which is something Tier 1 nations have barely done at all in recent decades, but more has to be done and fast.
You can’t hide from the fact that we’ve seen some massive margins of defeat at this tournament and the aim should obviously be to get away from that rather than return to teams shipping well over 100 points as wasn’t abnormal in early World Cups.
Work has to be done with these countries between tournaments for that to be the case but we have seen some green shoots as well with Portugal impressing, Chile taking part for the first time and Fiji looking like making it through to the knockout stages.
Financially it’s a struggle for everyone in rugby at the moment, and it isn’t getting any easier with a lot of debt around and money more expensive to borrow now, but now isn’t the time to think small. We have to think eight, 12 or more years down the line when we’re making decisions now.
Progress has been made in some areas, it’s important to recognise that, but more nations have to play more competitive rugby between World Cups and have the opportunity to mix it with the big boys not on the biggest stage as well.
That shouldn’t be a massive problem to overcome but self-interest and short-termism from the few have meant it is still a big issue. Let’s hope everyone can collaborate and think about the good of the game moving forward and that we aren’t talking about exactly the same thing in four years’ time.
I for one really enjoy watching the ABs and FRA pummel teams like Namibia. Nothing like a 96-0 victory to make me think my RWC trip money was well spent. Next time we can organise the Wallabies vs the local high school JV team - might be more competitive than you think
In U18 hockey we have the “world junior” competition that is 2 separate tournaments, going on simultaneously. No point Namibia playing the ABs. Have 2 tiers with promotion/relegation for next RWC. The minnows would be great to watch.
The only way these teams will improve is with high performance training programs and better coaching i.e monetary investment. Australia has cut down on their high performance programs and the results have shown. More game time with Tier 1 will not bridge the gap. It also doesn’t help that the Tier 1 nations Ireland, France and England run the show and have no interest in building rugby other than in their own back yard. The decisions against the Tier 2 compared to the decisions against Tier 1 nations show that there is no fairness in WR.
Tier 1 or Tier 2 is the past. Now, as everyone can see happening at RWC, there are three tier teams: Tier 1 Gold (SA, AB, Ireland and France, Tier 1 Classic, from Scots to England, Italy and yes, to Samoa and Georgia, and Tier 2 teams like Namibia. Many people (english or australians) think they play in the Gold tier 1 playground. But it isn’t any more like that. Portugal or Fiji and even Samoa can win against England or other traditional T1 teams…
I often wonder the racist motives of reporter like you and the Irish commentator always putting Italy down. Its clear Crowley an All black hall of famer would never do anything to hurt the ABs since knowing he was fired already as Italy coach at end of this WC. Italy beat Japan btw… who youre compating and have less finances available than the huge Japanese budget. Countries like England and Ireland do nothing to help grow the sport in Europe and their refs are questionable.
Imo Its nations like England, Ireland, wales and baffoon reporters like you that are killing the interest in rugby. Im betting in 10 years even fewer nations will join the WC and the rise NFL will take over globally… RIP.
What’s wrong with Madagascar and Burkina Faso?
Civil war and abject poverty….
"scheduling has improved at this tournament" You are out of your tiny mind. Too much of the Guinness and black.
More frequent championships be set up that include development teams from Tier 1 Nations as well as an increase in Tier 1 participation in full internationals.
Right on the topic, Andy! Every nation has to get a chance to paly equal amount of the competitive games. Unfortunately IRB, RWC and Tier1 federations' priorities are on the financial side and the way they manage funds is really pathetic.
100% right. The smaller nations should be invited to play the tier one nations, who then split the gate 50/50, and agree to a game in the smaller tier country next season.
It would if supported financially by Club Rugby and the richest 10 Rugby Countries in the World.
Top man! I'd happily have 10% of my match ticket going the right direction (as a minimum). Fiji, Portugal and Uruguay have been joyful to watch. They need the next step.
I think this idea that 'play tier one more, you'll get better' is not based on data. Australia play tier 1 all the time and have got worse. Italy have had 20 years of Tier1 oppo and their notable wins are statistical events, rather than a sign of any reliable upward trend. In the immediate future, the Tier 1 nations need to make their 'A' sides available to play to give Tier 2 realistic opportunities to play and develop. It is hard to develop your game when you are getting pumped by 50 points and are just fire-fighting. A european comp, for example, with Georgia, Portugal, Ireland 'A' and England 'A' and (eek) Italy would be a far better product and a more fertile development environment for lower test teams.
I don't think Italy have the rugby sports culture or player base to be able to compete regularly at tier 1 level. Having said that, Fiji, Samoa, Georgia, Chile & Uruguay have seen rugby really take off, and just because Italy failed, doesn't mean they all will - it's worth a go, otherwise rugby will die.
Fair points. The France v Namibia and AB v Italy results were obscene. Also a fair degree of arrogance within the Tier 1 game I feel. Look at the financial dire straights of the English union who at one point couldn't afford to sack Eddie Jones/buy out his contract. 3 premiership clubs gone bust in a season. The Welsh union was in the gutter this year with test players on the brink of striking. Some of the Tier 2 unions are actually better run if terribly resourced. A regular, meaningful competition would certainly help. Focus their pre-seasons and break up the year instead of odd matches just to qualify for world cups.
This article is way to long to make an easy point and the same story that's in every world cup? In 2003 Argentina only lost by a point to Ireland and almost got through, Fiji were beating Scotland until a yellow card. The teams always do their best but the structure actively negatively impacts them throughout the year.
Same way the draw is still bring done too far in advance but in 2015 it was called stupid by gatland that it was done 3 years out and teams ranked world 2, 3 and 4 all ended up in the same pool.
World RU are killing the game by inaction on structure but overaction on law changes as if to try and show they have control.
Well said, Connor, indeed. IRB is more and more approaching FIFA. Reading the statements and comments from IRB reminds more corporate bla-bla-bla and Greta Thunberg's slogans.
Ireland played Soma in 2019 RWC pools. Our last warm up game was against them this August. It was Soma's 10th game in that 4 year window. We'd 40 odd, even accounting for covid-19 disruption. It's always been stacked against them. Japan in 2015 won three pool games (brilliantly) but had SA and SCO on a 4-day turn around, the only game they lost. It's never been fair really.
France and New Zealand have had training academies out in the pacific since the 1990's. Fiji finally look good enough to keep their own best players. It will take investment though in the club games in the 'Second Tiers.'
Best way is encourage an attacking style of play and lessen the boring maul-centric, slow, heavy forward style play presently making the game so unwatchable. Reduce the number of replacements and stop killing the contest with RC and YCs being dished out for accidental collisions.
The game will foster in less traditional countries when people see the value of playing a more interesting game.
I agree. While I love Rugby and there are certainly some thrilling games in order for the game to really take off it needs to become more attack focused and simpler to understand.
I don't want to take away the essence of the game so I believe that mauling and scrummaging are essential elements of the game their emphasis needs to be lessened.
Here is a list of areas I would change:
I would make it that teams have to play the ball once the maul has become static the first time.
Eliminate penalties that have no bearing on the actual play.
If a team does not contest the lineout and the opposition do not throw straight it is play on.
and the most radical..... I would make the defensive line stand back 2mtrs from the hind most foot.
I think that with players becoming more conditioned the old hind most foot rule has gone well past the used by date. We need to find more space so the backs can have a better chance to make more breaks. Have a radius around the ruck so players can still attack the ruck but players outside that radius must be 2mtrs back.
I believe all of these would make a positive difference to the game without it losing it's essence.
And will want our kids to play the game. Currently stear clear
It’s been a great tournament - the more teams the better
Nope don't agree. Having more competitive games is the way forwards. As an example NZ & France play each other and then 3 training runs. Most other pools the same. The imbalance is improving each RWC but still lots to be done to bring on the tier 2 teams. The article is quite right the established tier one nations need to take more responsibility and touring their A teams regularly would be a great way to start.
Why isn't possible to organise a "Pacific Tournament " with Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, & Japan, plus maybe,, Argentina, Chili & Uruguay to give them more test matches & a better chance to improve their game ?? 🇫🇷🐸🇫🇷
Just a thought??
The financial cost to run this (take players out of clubs, fly great distances) vs the return (small crowds, low ticket prices) don't work.
It's been done before but it never sticks. Add in Canada and USA and there are enough teams for this to happen.
The ball in play time is the real problem
The play is so structured, slow and intermittent it make it dull to watch
100%
Having watched the game on Friday night in my rugby club the general consensus was that there needs to be a second tier competition run at the same time as the main World Cup . With the top 12 teams playing in the main event , the the tier 2 teams playing a competition on their own the 2 finalists getting promoted to the next World Cup while the bottom 2 teams in the cup get relegated to the next tier 2 competition.
I started saying this last world cup. I would have one playoff take 5 Tier 1 and 1 Tier 2, and the other take 3 Tier 1 and 3 Tier 2. Hold both tournaments at the same place at the same time.
Although I don't like the promotion idea. I don't see why you can't just use rankings six months before the tournament.
I'm from a tier 2 nation and we've been beating this drum forever. While many tier 1 players are teammates, our players are spread all over in different systems, and they don't get released for camps. We need real tier 2 competitions, not more pity games from the Tier 1 teams. Georgia-Fiji have shown these games can still be exciting.
As far as I know, WR has some sort of "democratic " election for authorities among the different National Rugby Unions... perhaps some of the islanders and others Tiers should better think their vote when serious proposals for improving T2 and T3 teams are made.
Having said that, the proposed franchised tournaments a la SuperRugby with judicious team selection provenance shoukd work. Look at Argentina with the Rugby Championship and the pre-pandemic Super Rugby. It's has been a long journey for them and Japan but now they seem could win anyone in a very good day.
Start by having one international block at this time.
Between RWC have a regional championship, say Euro/Africa, Asia/Pacific and Americas.
That way the T2 teams would get an extra set of fixures with T1.
Say E/A could be 10 teams in 2 groups of 5, played H/A then semis and finals at pre determined venue.
This article is just virtue signalling. The irony of referencing the lip service being paid to T2 nations every 4 years and then write an article that does nothing but that.
When the tournament ends Andy won't be out there fighting for T2 nations to get more international games or do anything to contribute to their future.
Just a bunch of hand wringing with no logical solutions proposed - "admit Fiji to the RC" - but also "they bring nothing to the table financially" - Right so who is going to pay?
It is not the responsibility or the RC teams to improve rugby in Fiji. These unions are already fighting for their own financial survival without any extra burden. It is up to World Rugby and the individual unions to come up with a solution.
For example maybe don't schedule T2 teams to play 4 games in 18 days during the World Cup? World Rugby does not care about these teams at all - That is where the failing lies, not with other rugby unions who have an endless list of their own issues to solve to ensure their own games can continue.
You are right, Goode is pandering to the crowd with this trope
Which is why Georgia should be admitted to the 6n before there is any more talk of SA joining the tournament.
Or Portugal?
A few years ago it would have been Romania, but their rugby has gone backwards over the past 30+ years.
Italy were just lucky to get the nod when the 5 nations moved to 6, but their rugby does not justify their place and hasn't for at least a decade.
Sensible article Andy.
Some of these teams are not even tier 3.
It is not worth watching these slaughters.
However, if the Pacific Islands can retain players and get back players rather than lose them to NZ and Aus they should become tier 1s.
Very lazy, ignorant comment
far more kiwis playing for Samoa and Tonga than the other way around. It has ALWAYS been that way. 23 of the current Samoan squad are NZs and Aussies.
Not so great in some waysIn 2014 The French team Brive set up a rugby academy in Fiji, not sure if it's still running but how many times have France invited the Fijians to a test match? We have belatedly I admit started to play more test with Ian d in Tonga Fiji and Samoa. Sanzaar was ready to go on a dovetailed schedule a couple of years ago when it first came up but the Home Nations baulked as I understand it because at that time relegation was on the table and they were scared of losing their share of the enormous revenue on the table. As of this tired old cliche about NZ and Oz pinching Island players, well as a kiwi I refer to the number of NZ and Oz born Pasifika players in the Pacifica squads. Yes some young Pacifika players visit with school teams (Happens quite frequently) and get offered scholarships to our top rugby schools private and state Most of. those "pinched" players migrated to NZ as young children with their families . Auckland is the biggest Pacific Island city in the world.
Can’t agree more with the author. More should be done to support tier 2 nations.
Some tier 2 nations continue to get more than their fair share of support - the support should be shared!
Why are the Lions touring Australia and not 2nd tier countries where the game is growing such as Japan or Argentina.
And why was a tier 2 country such as Australia awarded the right to host their 3rd World Cup when rugby is in massive decline not least due to an incompetent administration!?
The benefits bestowed on Australia will NOT give the reward that can generated by channeling this support to countries where players are actually supported at grassroots by the administration.
When ever I have picked up on the issue of a tier 1 nation putting 70,80,90 points on a tier 2 side, I just seem to get shot down about it. Fair enough everyone has a view, but how can you expect to grow the sport outside the top 8 if you come from a country that be being royally and publicly slaughtered at the main competition for the sport? Would you take up a sport (any sport) if you saw your country being dealt this sort of treatment.
I would require tier one nations to play a certain number of games against tier two nations. If they don't meet the requirement they are fined and the fines are paid directly to tier 2 teams. I would actually require them to win a certain number of games, as this would force them to take the games seriously rather than just send their B teams. 8 games per world cup cycle (excluding games played in the world cup itself) would sound reasonable.
Apart from that though....your point is spot on, smaller nations need games against their 1 teams and not just token 1 offs.
Why not use B teams from the bigger teams to tour the smaller nations, benefits both sides surely?
Money needs to be shared better from World cups, 6 nations and Rugby championships should have to give a % to a pot to be passed down the rankings.
Fine the big teams if they don't play the smaller teams.
Andy Goode.... small point.....basic fact checking in journalism is a thing isn't it?
Ireland and South Africa haven't qualified for the Quarter finals yet......
They may well do so, but to state that as fact now is wrong.
C'mon Scotland!
Asking Mr Goode to abide by standards beyond the level of 'Daily Mail side bar of shame' journalism is a stretch, sir. His "punditry" seems to be based on whatever is a controversial thing to say and/or players' genitalia.