Proposed Nations Championship
- Thread starter waiopehu oldboy
- Start date
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John Thornett (49)
I just think it will become like the 7's series where its a miracle if the old invited finished anywhere but last
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John Thornett (49)
does it come with guaranteed cash? if so I can see why they would take money.
John S
Chilla Wilson (44)
And in the reverse - we pretty much play them all the time.
Omar Comin'
Chilla Wilson (44)
I think it'd be fine if the promotion/relegation was automatic, rather than through a playoff. 2 up 2 down every time would create so much more interest in both the battle to avoid relegation and the battle for promotion in the 2nd tier.
With the playoff there is such a big advantage for the team trying to avoid relegation as they've spent the whole year playing higher quality teams. It'd be like organising an arm wrestling match and only allowing one of the competitors to lift heavy weights in preparation.
With the playoff there is such a big advantage for the team trying to avoid relegation as they've spent the whole year playing higher quality teams. It'd be like organising an arm wrestling match and only allowing one of the competitors to lift heavy weights in preparation.
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John Thornett (49)
& still will, the RC is still happening in aug-sep
Instead of a nations touring in july & us going to play up north in nov it will all be apart of this world league
TheHaydog
Stan Wickham (3)
The main positive is that the World Cup is finally expanding to 24 teams in 2027. It'd be interesting to see what teams will end up qualifying in those 4 spots. A lot of the qualifying stuff depends on how many spots are allocated to each continent or whether they pursue a larger repechage going forth.
On playing form, there's a reasonable enough argument to give 2 spots each to Europe and the Americas. However, even without the whole qualification scenario being sorted, there are guaranteed a minimum of 4 changes to the composition of the tournament, which in my opinion freshens up the variety of the group stage. Sure, there'll probably be a few big scores here and there, however, it is vastly outweighed by the exposure the lower-ranked qualifiers get, along with any players getting professional contracts, etc.
The "Nations Cup" on the other hand is very unfair as to be expected. The same teams vs the same teams for a trophy every 2 years that can't rival the Webb Ellis anyway. Japan and Fiji will "host" games at neutral venues in order to cut down on traveling is just one of the issues.
On playing form, there's a reasonable enough argument to give 2 spots each to Europe and the Americas. However, even without the whole qualification scenario being sorted, there are guaranteed a minimum of 4 changes to the composition of the tournament, which in my opinion freshens up the variety of the group stage. Sure, there'll probably be a few big scores here and there, however, it is vastly outweighed by the exposure the lower-ranked qualifiers get, along with any players getting professional contracts, etc.
The "Nations Cup" on the other hand is very unfair as to be expected. The same teams vs the same teams for a trophy every 2 years that can't rival the Webb Ellis anyway. Japan and Fiji will "host" games at neutral venues in order to cut down on traveling is just one of the issues.
Adam84
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
Like I mentioned earlier, it comes with a guaranteed draw and regular matches for these team's that has been seriously lacking in the past. That flows through to revenue inevitably, but the primary motive for teams like Samoa to support this is surely regular test opportunities.
The Ghost of Raelene
Andrew Slack (58)
Not sure what thread it belong in but the Pacific Nations Cup is back as well
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John Thornett (49)
Would much rather see a sold out final in Fiji than in front of 1k ppl at either an empty soccer stadium or that club ground they have in Colorado
Wilson
David Codey (61)
If Japan and Fiji are to step up to the Rugby Championship and the Nations Championship first division in 2026 then hopefully Uruguay and Chile are bought up into this competition.
The Ghost of Raelene
Andrew Slack (58)
Absolutely. I know they want to pre plan but having the highest finisher host would be my preference. At least then you get the local audience wanting to attend.
Tonga v Canada isn't going to draw anything in the US if it happened.
Tonga, Fiji and Samoa are all probably on board with getting a larger guaranteed distribution from the broadcast rights in return for not having a chance to host the final though.
The Ghost of Raelene
Andrew Slack (58)
What's the current situation with the Fijian Rugby Union? Pre world cup wasn't there some shenanigans going on? They will go where they are told if control is out of their hands.
I like the whole concept. These countries need to be playing consistent Tests. It worried me the Nations Cup becomes a walled garden and other nations wither whilst trying to look over the fence. It's been a positive to see players like Fekitoa, Sopoaga playing for Tonga, Samoa. If they aren't able to play meaningful Rugby do they brush it?
I like the whole concept. These countries need to be playing consistent Tests. It worried me the Nations Cup becomes a walled garden and other nations wither whilst trying to look over the fence. It's been a positive to see players like Fekitoa, Sopoaga playing for Tonga, Samoa. If they aren't able to play meaningful Rugby do they brush it?
Jimmy_Crouch
Ken Catchpole (46)
No Chile? Uruguay aren't on the Pacific but could have been added. Push Japan over and have a Pacific pool v an Americas pool.
The Ghost of Raelene
Andrew Slack (58)
Hopefully like Wilson said if they move to the RC then they will slot in.
that pool logic makes a lot of sense though
that pool logic makes a lot of sense though