THE INTERNATIONAL RUGBY Board [IRB] has reiterated that it will not support any cross-border competitions that are not given approval by the unions of the participating nations.
World rugby’s governing body, led by chairman Bernard Lapasset, was already known to have taken such a stance, although this re-confirmation may come as a crucial deterrent to those clubs who are planning club competitions across borders in the coming seasons.
The IRB underlined its support for the Six Nations member unions; those being the IRFU, RFU, WRU, FIR, FFR and SRU. With a “common solution” for European club competition remaining unresolved, Lapasset was involved in a brief statement expressing the IRB’s “concern”.
The former FFR president says the IRB is working with the unions to find that solution.
In order to reach an outcome that is in the best interests of Rugby globally, the IRB will work actively with its Unions towards the goal of achieving a unified and acceptable outcome for all stakeholders involved.”
“In the interests of the global Game, the IRB reaffirms that it will not support any cross border competitions that are not approved by the Unions of any participating clubs, Rugby bodies and host countries in full accordance with IRB Regulations and Bye-Laws.”
How much this statement really means is debatable, but the unions will certainly appreciate the firm public support from the IRB.
Plans for the Rugby Champions Cup appear dead for the time being, although these words from the IRB may also provide a boost to the Welsh Rugby Union [WRU] as they attempt to deal with their deeply unhappy regional sides.
