World Rugby boss has grim update on the future of international rugby
Rugby NewsFriday, 17 April 2020 at 10:28
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont feels it’s a “distinct possibility” the Test rugby calendar could be scrapped this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Beaumont is chairman of World Rugby, which on Thursday announced it was providing an £80 million relief fund to aid national unions through the crisis.
“That is a distinct possibility,” Beaumont told The Times. “The pressures on the unions are getting greater and greater.”
Beaumont is standing for re-election as chairman of World Rugby but next month’s elections will see him go up against vice-chairman Agustin Pichot.
Sir Clice Woodward's assertion that "rugby would benefit from being viewed through the eyes of leader who is 45, not 68" rankled with Beaumont, who said: "What difference does the age make?"
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"I played my rugby always as an amateur. Does that mean that I don't understand the professional game?"
When asked whether he needed to move faster to make changes, he said his preferred method was incremental change.
"I am evolution, not revolution," he said. "I am bidding to show a lead to colleagues, to take colleagues with me. I intend to be a leader. And I think I have been in the past."
Back in 2015, these five England youngsters were tipped for stardom
Back in 2015, Wales Online released a list of 25 potential stars of the future who could become household names.
Five England youngsters made the cut, but they've had mixed fortunes to say the least in the five years that have followed.
Here's what they're up to now...
1. Charlie Ewels
What they said: The Bath second-row captained England to Six Nations success after being part of the World Cup winning side from last year in New Zealand.
Where they are now: A senior-call up was not far behind with Ewels showing his world-class pedigree in the Bath Rugby ranks. The second rower made his bow off the replacement bench during England’s 58-15 victory over Fiji in 2016. Still with Bath, the 24-year-old has struggled to break into the England side on a regular basis due to the consistency of Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Joe Launchbury and Courtney Lawes, but has accumulated 12 caps.
2. James Chishom
What they said: The Harlequins No.8 was a mainstay of the World Championship success last season and was man-of-the-match in this year’s Six Nations clinching success against France.
Where they are now: He's been a standout player for Harlequins but is yet to win a full international cap. Off the pitch, Chisholm has a coaching role at Farnham RFC alongside fellow Quin Max Crumpton.
3. Joe Marchant
What they said: Another Harlequins star who made a name for himself during the Six Nations with six tries in the tournament for the centre including a vital second-half score in the decider against France.
Where they are now: Marchant, who has played for Harlequins since 2014, will represent the Auckland-based Blues club from January 1 to June 30 in a revolutionary move made possible through the Club’s ongoing relationship with New Zealand Rugby. Eddie Jones is also a fan of the 23-year-old, who has won three caps, scoring once so far.
4. George Perkins
What they said: The speedy wing has a 100m time best of 10.86secs and played in every Six Nations match after winning his first cap and scoring on his debut against England at Colwyn Bay. Bagged a second try against France in the final game at Brighton as England lifted the title for the fourth time in five years. Mother Diana represented Wales as a schoolgirl sprinter.
Where they are now: Perkins joined Bristol Bearsat the start of the 2017/18 season, where he joined up with Pat Lam. However, During an injury hit spell in the West Country, Academy winger Perkins did not make a league outing for the Bears before leaving by mutual consent. He's now playing for Westcombe Park in London 1 South.
5. Howard Packman
What they said: The Northampton back three player figured in every match of the 2014 and 2015 U20 Six Nations Championship and was part of the World Cup winning side last year.
Where they are now: Packman joined RFU Championship side Bedford Blues in 2016 before he moved to Ealing Trailfinders ahead of the 2017-18 season. In 2019, during the summer months, Packman travelled to the Southern Hemisphere to play for North Otago in New Zealand.
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