Southern hemisphere rugby’s push for a global calendar has been batted away by European clubs, drawing a sharp rebuke from the New Zealand boss.
NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson criticised the unwillingness for change from English and French club bosses which has once again put the long-held goal of aligning the hemispheres on hold.
An international forum ended in stalemate after representatives of the cash-rich clubs said they wouldn’t agree to shifting the July Test window in the south to October.
Such a move would open up an improved Super Rugby model and allow New Zealand and Australia to run other domestic competitions without impediment.
It would set up Test fixtures in October and November, creating the possibility of a sponsor-friendly global tournament.
Robinson said the clubs’ stance was lamentable given the coronavirus pandemic had created a “once in 100 year opportunity” to reshape a calendar that had inherent shortcomings.
“We’d have hoped that they might come to the table with a little more compromise,” Robinson told reporters.
“There’s great alignment between World Rugby, the national unions and the players, to want to work towards something new and fresh. It makes sense comercially and for players and fans.”
The club opposition wasn’t unexpected, with reports leading up to the forum suggesting owners were worried their broadcast deals would be downsized.
They reportedly baulked at considering major concessions such starting club seasons in December or even March, making professional rugby a summer affair in the north.
Robinson said the best hope to get movement from club owners would now be through direct negotiations with the respective English and French national unions.
He noted the season for top club players in the north would typically comprise 42 weeks, something he said should prompt change.
“To talk about player welfare and talk about a season like that, to me, is a bit counter-intuitive.
“We just have to trust they have very good people at those national organisations that will keep working in the greater interest of the game.”
Emery Ambrose
Roar Rookie
Classic EPCR , a week before the meeting again, they go and announce the finals for September/October knowing the Unions wanted some of that time as well.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
OK, things are going brilliantly in NZ. Jacko. The world class rugby that has meant the ABs haven't lost a major game since 1926 is burning up the turf in front of 100,000 delirious Kiwis every week, while up here in the bleak frozen wastes, no rugby is being played, and even if it was, the chances of ever beating the glorious ABs is 10000/1. Given that, why can't I switch my computer on without being drowned by whining Kiwis demanding the NH must restructure the game, and if they don't 'IT'S SO UNFFAAIIRR' (Stamps feet petulantly).
FunBus
Roar Rookie
No NVFS. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. The world recognises the 2011 RWC as the greatest tournament of all - financially, in terms of the rugby, the spirit etc, and the 2019 tournament as a total flop...Hey, wait a minute...
FunBus
Roar Rookie
Not sure we're going to improve playing this current AB lot, Jacko. The players barely needed a shower after the SF. And we've beaten Oz 7 times on the trot. Now the Boks is a different kettle of fish. Happily, within five years at latest, the South African teams will be out of SR and playing in club rugby in the north and the Boks will be in an expanded 6 Nations. You can then concentrate on winning the best out of 10 Bledisloe Cup every year.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
'All sources of revenue will be negative not only this year but next They are up to the maximum Bank borrowing of 100 mm pounds allowed by the RFU corporate constitution and will have to increase this to 150mm this year to stay solvent – ie. they are mortgaging Twickenham to cover near term losses – totally unsustainable' Don't know if you've noticed, Highlander, but there's been a bit of a virus knocking around. 'Twickenham' will be fine. Don't worry, I think the future will stabilise in the next couple of years. South Africa will leave SR, join the European competitions and an expanded 6 Nations, and you Kiwis can stroke yourselves in perpetuity as you win the best of 10 Bledisloe Cup every year in front of two men and a dog.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
Your altruism is heart-warming in these difficult times, Highlander. So concerned are you that the NH gets better you're willing to make some huge sacrifices and restructure the season (well the NH season, anyway). It does this old pom's heart proud to see such love of the game. It is remarkable having been hammered in the SF (one of the most flattering scorelines in defeat I've seen in a big game) that Kiwis simply shrug it off and proclaim that for no-hopers like England to even begin to trouble sides like the mighty ABs they must fundamentally reshape their entire structure and game.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
Let me know when NZ move to starting their season in November, Jacko and I'll reconsider the joys of summer rugby.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
'One of the key reasons NZ has remained near the top for so long is two games against SA every season.' It could be that, Highlander. Or, of course, it could be because rugby is a religion in New Zealand, and you've had mass immigration over two generations of Pacific Islanders.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
Not entirely sure it's the best time for an AB fan to be talking about England being perennial losers after they handed you your backsides in the SF, but, that's Kiwis for you. This myth that England 'controls everything' is the sort of unhinged, swivel-eyed nonsense that comes form living in the middle of nowhere, in a place that's mired somewhere around 1953.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
We're battling through, Jacko. Perils of living in a connected, modern part of the world, don't you know?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
The Tahs do need one. Reds could use one too. Doesn't mean they have a heap of money free in June to sign one for the rest of 2020. I will reiterate my question. What team in a salary cap competition has much money available mid season though?
jeznez
Roar Guru
No thanks Jacko, I want Harrison getting game time not sitting behind an older bloke. We've had enough issues with guys like Mason never getting a run behind Foley, Maddocks not getting fullback ahead of Beale - no need to repeat the error. Let the boys play!!!!
Jacko
Guest
Reds have a few spots and dont tell me the Tahs dont need a decent 10 and a great leader to drive them around the park and mentor the youngsters
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
And a massive player drain is. It going to help us fix anything.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
If he had said that in November. Maybe. There'd be question marks over his ability to get on the field after injury concerns at Kobelco. What team in a salary cap competition has much money available mid season though?
Jacko
Guest
The problem is Bankso that just as an example England make around 14mil pounds each time they host the ABs....Most countrys make big money from international so they want more tests...so more money comes in..The SH needs to make a stand if this cant be sorted as the NH is making lots of money from playing the SH teams
Jacko
Guest
I guess its in the middle of somewhere then? Arnt all Islands in the middle of somewhere? Ive heard that rugby is being played and that sellout crowds are turning up...That must be happening somewhere...And it aint the NH
Jacko
Guest
TWAS do you believe that if he had said"hey Im looking for some rugby" that no other club or Franchise would have jumped at the chance to sign him for way more than he is on? The Rebels, Tahs and Reds could do with a decent 10 who can also guide and advise other players at their franchises
Jacko
Guest
Micko the problem is you dont know the story but are happy to comment negatively....NZ was angry at Aus over the voting for Japan to host the 2011 WC because Aus gave a 100% garrantee that they would back NZ then didnt...meaning they lied and deceived....... With the 2003 stadium incidents that cost NZ hosting sharing it was Aus who said "yes we are 100% in agreeance with NZ that the stadium rules are not doable and we will back your stand"...Then went behind NZs back and did secret deals to get the wc as solo hosts...So twice RA has lied directly to NZRUs face and then gone behind their backs to advantage themselves...Its proof that RA is NOT TRUSTWORTHY and cannot be taken at their word.
Jacko
Guest
neutral you are an avid NZ hater...It comes across in 95% of your posts about NZ rugby.....and you stupidly deny it all the time...