Rugby needs to tap into new markets and find fresh investment if it is to ride out its current financial troubles says World Rugby chair candidate Abdelatif Benazzi.
Benazzi was born in the Moroccan city of Oujda, close to the border with Algeria, but went on to represent FranceFormer France international Abdelatif Benazzi says rugby union faces an existential crisis if it fails to find new markets and bring more cash into the game.
"Rugby is in trouble around the world. We will die if everyone stays on his own side. We have to think collectively." "But we must do more. We saw 1.5bn watching, but there is scope to increase the sponsorship and the partnerships. The income is not enough for such a popular sport." "Qatar have improved a lot of things in their country and sport has helped accelerate integration and understanding for the culture," explained Benazzi, who attended the 2022 Fifa World Cup in the country.
London may stage the first edition of the tournament in 2026, while the 2030 tournament could take place in the United States to help raise the sport's profile before men's and women's Rugby World Cups in the country in 2031 and 2033 respectively.Benazzi, who conducted this interview in his third language and has had his manifesto translated into five, is making a global pitch to World Rugby's 53-member Council.
"I told the teacher I didn't know the rules," recalled Benazzi. "He said, 'it doesn't matter with your physicality, get the ball and go straight'. I have kept this advice my whole life!"
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