"Old boys club" - Sir Clive Woodward slams new World Rugby tournament
Rugby NewsFriday, 27 October 2023 at 10:52
World Rugby has unveiled a fresh competition set to commence in 2026, marking a substantial revamp of the men's international calendar.
This tournament will comprise 24 teams, organized into two divisions of 12 teams each, with promotion and relegation mechanisms scheduled to kick in from 2030.
The premier division is slated to feature the ten teams from the Six Nations and Rugby Championship, in addition to two yet-to-be-disclosed participants.
Among those expressing discontent with this announcement was Sir Clive Woodward, who authored a scathing column for the Mail Online.
He wrote: "It is no 'quantum leap forward' if you are Georgia, Samoa or Portugal. Their opportunities to take on the top rugby nations are no better than before.
"The old boys' club remains. The current status quo has been altered, but only slightly. Rugby has missed a huge opportunity to allow new nations to shake up the established order.
"But, then again, turkeys don't vote for Christmas, do they? This is the problem at the very highest level of rugby's corridors of power. It always has been and it looks like it always will. The top countries want to protect their position."
Woodward continued: "The fact the Nations Championship will be controlled entirely by the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship countries says absolutely everything.
"I read Gus Pichot's interview with Mail Sport last week with huge interest. His views were fascinating and absolutely on the money. I backed Pichot to become World Rugby chairman in 2020.
"It's crazy he is not in charge of our global game. Pichot wouldn't have let what happened on Tuesday come to fruition. Like me and many others, he was frustrated by rugby's politics."
Rugby Quiz:
The 30 best rugby players in the world have been ranked
#30. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
A rising Irish hooker known for his powerful scrummaging and dynamic play in open field. Sheehan's agility and tackling prowess make him a vital asset in set pieces and loose play alike, hinting at a promising future in international rugby
#29. Owen Farrell (England)
England's steadfast captain and fly-half, Farrell's tactical brilliance and accurate kicking guide his team's gameplay. Renowned for his leadership, his defensive grit and ability to control the game's pace make him a linchpin in England's rugby strategy.
Wales Online wrote: "The 31-year-old has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons recently but is a player you'd rather play with than against. Farrell is a natural leader of men, and will play a crucial role if England are to drag themselves out of the rut they find themselves in."
#28. Thibaud Flament (France)
A versatile lock for France, Flament's towering presence in the lineout and ferocious work rate define his style. With his strong carrying and breakdown skills, he is a force to be reckoned with in both set-piece dominance and open-field encounters.
#27. Shannon Frizell (New Zealand)
Frizzell's imposing physique and aggressive ball-carrying mark him as a formidable All Black flanker. His offloading ability, coupled with his defensive prowess, cements his position as a player who consistently makes his presence felt on the field.
#26. Steven Kitshoff (South Africa)
An anchor of the Springboks' scrum, Kitshoff's experience and technical expertise are unmatched. His exceptional work rate and relentless tackling contribute to his reputation as a reliable front-row stalwart, key to South Africa's forward dominance.
#25. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
A powerhouse winger, van der Merwe's size and speed make him a lethal attacking threat. His ability to break tackles and finish tries, combined with his strong defensive efforts, adds a dynamic edge to Scotland's backline.
#24. Finn Russell (Scotland)
A creative playmaker at fly-half, Russell's flair and innovative decision-making set him apart. His precise passing and daring attacking kicks often unlock opportunities for Scotland. His presence ensures an unpredictable and exciting dimension to the team's game.
#23. Gael Fickou (France)
Fickou's versatility shines as he adeptly switches between center and wing. His elusive running and deft handling make him a key distributor, while his defensive tenacity fortifies France's backline. A well-rounded player with a significant impact.
#21. Marika Koroibete (Australia)
A speedster on the wing, Koroibete's blistering pace and strong ball-carrying abilities pose constant threats to opponents. His try-scoring prowess and exceptional work ethic make him an essential component of Australia's attacking strategies.
#21. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)
Kolbe's electrifying footwork and agility have earned him recognition as a world-class winger. Despite his smaller stature, he excels in evading defenders and creating scoring opportunities. His ability to turn defense into attack adds a unique flair to the Springboks' game.
#20. Frans Malherbe (South Africa)
A dominant tighthead prop, Malherbe's scrummaging proficiency is unmatched. His strength in the set piece provides a solid foundation for the Springboks' forward efforts. A stalwart in the front row, he contributes significantly to South Africa's forward dominance.
#19. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
Renowned as a skillful fly-half, Sexton's experience and leadership shape Ireland's gameplay. His tactical acumen, accurate kicking, and ability to control the tempo of the match make him a linchpin in orchestrating Ireland's strategies.
#18. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)
A versatile back, Barrett's impressive boot, aerial skills, and positional awareness offer versatility to the All Blacks. His ability to play fullback, wing, or center, coupled with his goal-kicking prowess, makes him a valuable asset to the New Zealand squad.
#17. Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
A tenacious openside flanker, van der Flier's work rate and breakdown prowess are his standout traits. His relentless tackling and ability to secure turnovers make him a vital component of Ireland's defensive efforts and breakdown strategies.
#16. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
#15. Will Jordan (New Zealand)
An exciting fullback/winger, Jordan's speed and finishing ability make him a try-scoring machine. His support play and elusive running lines exploit defensive gaps. His presence adds a dynamic edge to the All Blacks' attacking strategies.
#14. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Beirne's versatility as a lock and back-row player elevates Ireland's options. His athleticism, lineout skills, and aggressive breakdown work set him apart. An asset in both set pieces and open play, he consistently impacts the game.
#13. Scott Barrett (New Zealand)
A robust lock/flanker, Barrett's physicality and tireless work ethic make him an asset to New Zealand's forward pack. His lineout expertise and powerful ball-carrying contribute to the All Blacks' dominance in set pieces and loose play.
#12. Damian Penaud (France)
Penaud's flair as a center/winger adds a creative dimension to France's backline. His ability to break tackles and create scoring opportunities, combined with his defensive resolve, makes him a crucial player in France's strategies.
#11. Lukhanyo Am (South Africa)
Am's skillful play at center bolsters the Springboks' backline. His defensive prowess, distribution, and ability to create space for teammates highlight his versatility. A player who combines finesse with physicality on the field.
#10. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
An exceptional tighthead prop, Furlong's scrummaging prowess and mobility set him apart. His ability to contribute in open play, both as a ball-carrier and in support, makes him a well-rounded force in Ireland's forward pack.
#9. Romain Ntamack (France)
France's rising star at fly-half, Ntamack's composure and playmaking abilities shine. His precise kicking, distribution, and tactical decision-making control the game's tempo. A young talent shaping France's attacking strategies.
#8. Pablo Matera (Argentina)
Matera's leadership as a dynamic flanker is central to Argentina's efforts. His aggressive ball-carrying, breakdown skills, and defensive tenacity inspire his team. A player whose passion and commitment set the tone on the field.
#7. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)
An iconic figure in New Zealand rugby, Barrett's versatility as a fly-half/fullback amplifies his impact. Renowned for his attacking brilliance, kicking precision, and spatial awareness, he is a linchpin in the All Blacks' strategies.
#6. Eben Eztebeth (South Africa)
A towering lock, Etzebeth's physicality and presence anchor South Africa's forward pack. His lineout expertise, ball-carrying power, and confrontational play style make him a formidable force on the field.
#5. Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
Marx's dynamism as a hooker is a key asset for the Springboks. His exceptional lineout accuracy, powerful carries, and aggressive breakdown work establish his dominance in both set pieces and open play.
#4. Richie Mo'unga (New Zealand)
New Zealand's dynamic fly-half, Mo'unga's playmaking brilliance and kicking precision shape the All Blacks' attack. His creative passes, tactical kicks, and ability to read defenses make him a pivotal force in orchestrating New Zealand's gameplay.
#3. Grégory Alldritt (France)
France's formidable number 8, Alldritt's powerful ball-carrying and breakdown skills define his impact. His ability to create momentum with every touch, coupled with his tenacious defensive efforts, solidify his position as a driving force in France's forward pack.
#2. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
An explosive back-rower, Savea's versatility and aggression set him apart. His breakdown dominance, ball-carrying strength, and defensive tenacity make him a vital asset for the All Blacks. A player whose intensity shapes both set pieces and open play.
#1. Antoine Dupont (France)
France's exceptional scrum-half, Dupont's speed, vision, and tactical acumen drive his team's rhythm. His precise passing, evasive running, and astute decision-making make him a linchpin in orchestrating France's attack. A player who dictates the game's tempo with finesse.
Wales Online wrote: "The France captain is widely regarded as the best player on the planet. Former world player of the year Dupont is the complete scrum-half and has the ability to win a game of rugby almost single-handedly.
"If he brings his A game France have a great chance of lifting the Williams Webb-Ellis Cup on home soil this autumn."
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