The past week has seen more changes of direction than most in the rugby world. Here are three.
First, the fracas at the top of the RFU has had an effect. The Chair, Tom Ilube, has resigned, stating that it was in the best interests of the English game. His continued presence would be, in the popular phrase, a distraction. Sir Bill Beaumont, till recently Chair of World Rugby and a rare captain of a Grand Slam winning men’s England team, steps in on a short-term basis.
A widespread reaction from fans was: “And next for the high jump?” The exorbitant sums of money awarded to the Chief Executive and Ilube lie at the heart of the complaints.
Second, a similar, but not identical brouhaha in Cardiff has led to Nigel Walker, the WRU’s executive director of rugby, stepping down too. The response from a disenchanted public is the same: Why him and not the others? (they would include Abi Tierney, who became the first female chief executive, and various members of the board).
At least some commenters have found a good word to say for Walker. He had overseen new contracts for the women’s team and tried to correct past wrongs pointed out in a damning review.
Rugby followers can be quick to criticise, but they rarely agree on the most sensible recovery programme.
Third, far more positive news: the Latin Cup is reinstalled.
Last year WR announced its establishment, involving four franchises, two in Italy based on Zebre Parma and Benetton Rugby Treviso, and two in Spain, Iberians Elche, based in Sitges, and Iberians Majadahonda (Valencia). Then it appeared that WR had changed its mind; the venture would be axed.
On 20 December the FIR tweeted that it was back in being.
The Cup’s structure is modest, as this timetable reveals:
Saturday 1 February: Benetton Rugby Treviso v Iberians Majadahonda (Villorba) Referee: Holly Wood (RFU)
Saturday 1 February: Zebre Parma v Iberians Elche (Parma) Referee: Precious Pazani (ZIM)
Saturday 8 February: Iberians Majadahonda v Zebre Parma Referee: Precious Pazani (ZIM), (Majadahonda)
Saturday 8 February: Iberians Elche v Benetton Rugby Treviso (Elche)
Referee: Lauren Jenner (FIR)
But its importance is considerable, less so for for the Azzurre, far more for the Leonas.
The Cup represents a small step towards the reinstatement of Spanish rugby where it belongs, near the top of European rugby. Its ejection from the Six Nations in 2007 (in favour of Italy) had a lasting and harmful effect on standards.
It may be no coincidence that the current CE of Spanish rugby is José Antonio Barrio, for so long the head coach of Las Leonas.
The need to construct these four franchises is an unspoken admission of the relative weakness the two women’s unions suffer. Selectors are now able to pick the best players from across the nation. The four franchises will include both seasoned test players and the most promising rising talent.
This addition to the calendar takes on especial importance as we approach the RWC. For both nations the matches allow them to get high-class matches under their belt. The selectors and coaching staffs will benefit too.
The nature of the Latin Cup bears a striking resemblance to the Celtic Challenge. It’s possible to imagine WR hopes of extending the programme to include the next two strongest European nations; but that must wait.
