Player welfare concerns, and in all probability costs, were foremost considerations in Sanzaar's decision to partly scrap the home and away component in the Rugby Championship.
SA, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina will still play each other twice, but instead each team will host a two-match tour and play an away two-match tour with only the third set of matches, involving New Zealand against Australia and SA against Argentina, remaining home and away.The tournament has proved to be an important stepping stone to Rugby World Cup success for southern hemisphere teams, but there is always room for improvement and innovation,” said Sanzaar CEO Brendan Morris.
While it is true the in-out, quick turnabout nature of Rugby Championship Tests have left many cold, some of the game's more established followers may disagree that the new format restores touring to what it was. Tours are usually associated with a playing roster that includes Tests and midweek matches and extends well beyond two weeks.
SA and New Zealand not playing each other on an equal basis in every tournament leaves the competition open to too many “what ifs” and “buts”.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rugby Championship abandons home and away format | The CitizenThe new format reduces the travel component of the championship, alleviating player welfare concerns.
Read more »
Rugby Championship abandons home and away formatThe Rugby Championship organisers have wound the clock back and adopted a mini-tour format for at least the next three years saying it will restore 'rugby's traditional touring values'.
Read more »
Rugby Championship abandons home and away format | SportThe Rugby Championship organisers have wound the clock back and adopted a mini-tour format for at least the next three years saying it will restore 'rugby's traditional touring values'. | Sport24news
Read more »
Rugby Australia threatens NZ with Super Rugby splitIn a bombshell move which could have big ramifications for the global game, Rugby Australia has reportedly told New Zealand Rugby that they are strongly considering a permanent departure from Super Rugby.
Read more »
SCHOOLS RUGBY: Bish/Bosch in close battle while Wynberg thump Sacs in Cape derbiesRondebosch Boys’ High School’s winning form continues in tightly fought battle with Bishops Diocesan College.
Read more »
Springbok Women back in action in Rugby Africa Women's Cup
Read more »