(15-10-2019 06:35 )babelover48 Wrote:  

(14-10-2019 19:21 )hornball Wrote:  

(14-10-2019 16:09 )SecretAgent Wrote:  Wasn’t it the idea of a US investment firm? The major rugby playing countries are all in favour of expanding the game but not by diluting the attractiveness and economics of the game. Suggestions that the British Lions should cease to exist that have been made are ridiculous. The touring Lions are the most profitable games for any home union and it is that money which is used to benefit game development.

The professional clubs also have views as anything that dilutes their interests is clearly a concern to them.

Concerns have also been expressed about not overloading the players

Maybe, but I am happy to admit to being in that camp!! Look every nation/club will - as you point out - have their own reasons for holding the sport back. They must not be allowed to do that!! If the IRB intend to expand WC, the nations that will make up the additional numbers, have to have the means of playing, and playing at a decent level!! Who wouldn't want now to buy a ticket for a match featuring Japan?? They would sell those seats out on their own merits, regardless of opposition!

Why can't the Lions be a vehicle for bringing these new nations through?? Ridiculous that they are only unearthed once every 4 years, and yet some want them to be the priority, with clubs allowing extra time for their players to join a lions camp prior to tours. Now that is ludicrous! I am sorry, but there a number of people who call themselves rugby fans, but - in truth - only follow the lions. Not a priority for me, or for those that follow clubs/nations week - in - week out year - in year - out (btw I know that some only follow the international game and nothing else too)! I do understand the economics argument!!

Why can't the Lions be a vehicle for bringing these new nations through??
I would agree with this, I don't see why not and at the same time it should be used by thr home nations to see how some new faces would work as well before putting them in their test sides. i think it would be great to see the Lions used to help develop the lower teams I think it would be good if they could do a short tour across Europe, the USA & Canada. A Lions tour throughout Europe say one summer every two years, to help develop and promote the gam would be a welcome thing, and not only that the 6N sides should do more individually too. I am sure that the European qualifiers for the world Cup are keenly tested, but it would give those teams in the qualifying competition and it gives those teams in the qualifying competition a chance to test their teams against the more established sides on a regular basis.
World Rugby want to see the number of teams competing in the World Cup increase eventually but I think for that to happen they first have to see how to raise standards outside the Test Nations.
I would like to see the 6N eventually morph into a full European championship played fully across Europe, I think it would be a good thing. or to begin with, at least the bottom side having to play a qualifier against a lower ranked European nation on a winner takes all basis, meaning that whoever wins that game, plays in that season 6N.

(15-10-2019 09:58 )babelover48 Wrote:  Would Eddie need to resign if he loses Saturday? If he does who would replace him?

(15-10-2019 17:29 )hornball Wrote:  

(15-10-2019 09:58 )babelover48 Wrote:  Would Eddie need to resign if he loses Saturday? If he does who would replace him?

NO he wouldn't surely?? EJ never said England WOULD win the cup. He has only said that he believes they have a good shot at it, and he is right! Of the remaining four teams you could make a reasoned argument for three of them winning the entire tournament. Japan probably not, but wouldn't it be epic if they did??

(15-10-2019 17:37 )Starblade Wrote:  

(15-10-2019 17:29 )hornball Wrote:  

(15-10-2019 09:58 )babelover48 Wrote:  Would Eddie need to resign if he loses Saturday? If he does who would replace him?

NO he wouldn't surely?? EJ never said England WOULD win the cup. He has only said that he believes they have a good shot at it, and he is right! Of the remaining four teams you could make a reasoned argument for three of them winning the entire tournament. Japan probably not, but wouldn't it be epic if they did??

Did I fall asleep and miss the quarter finals?

(15-10-2019 17:23 )hornball Wrote:  I posted a comment on the BBC HYS rugby world cup board to the effect that 1 6N and 1 RC should make way for a European championships, and a similar competition in the SH. It received universal down arrow negativity! What does that tell you?? Well it tells me, that for all the talk, few want to walk the walk, so someone will have to force change!! If not the IRB, then who??

(15-10-2019 18:57 )babelover48 Wrote:  

(15-10-2019 17:23 )hornball Wrote:  I posted a comment on the BBC HYS rugby world cup board to the effect that 1 6N and 1 RC should make way for a European championships, and a similar competition in the SH. It received universal down arrow negativity! What does that tell you?? Well it tells me, that for all the talk, few want to walk the walk, so someone will have to force change!! If not the IRB, then who??

got a link?