World Rugby

[Neils]

Interesting article from the Beeb -
 http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47408903

[BG]

This excerpt is interesting - that gives some credence to the rumour that CVC want to make an investment (a share of?) the 6 Nations

"World Rugby know that the Six Nations are exploring an idea that would see them pool their own TV revenues for the first time for their championship and autumn internationals. They've even got a name for the concept - Project Light. They're on the lookout for 'partners'. If that deal comes to pass then a World League is dead in the water and the financial problems of Australia and Argentina, in particular, carry on. "

[NellyWellyWaspy]

I can see that the suits are already starting to leverage our beautiful game.

I know, it went 'professional'. The amateur system simply was not inclusive nor sustainable.

And so wage inflation inevitably set in. 'Poaching' started. So rules on movement came in. Big money contracts and agents arrived.

The game is now hooked on the drug of money. The match day costs are not met by the fans (were they ever?).

The game switched to pay TV. Less and less is shown on free to air.

And now the money men want more. Of course, they will put more in, but they only want in to milk the game of every last penny.

Now there is talk of excluding those who love the game, play the game well, but can't afford to pay, can't provide the money audience; the Pacific Islanders.

We have seen it all before. Just look at how F1 has gone. Utterly ruined.

And so will rugby be ruined. The money men, the so-called stakeholders, the corporate box holders, they will call the tune. Fans will not be able to afford to watch games. Money is so corrupting.

The players are simply assets, to be bought and sold with little consideration. Slaves to the money men.

I just feel so sad for our lovely game.