On 3 March I offfered a piece under the title “Rugby everywhere you look”
That weekend could proudly boast matches in Australia (Super W), Scotland and Wales (Celtic Challenge), New Zealand (Super Aupiki) and England (PWR semis).
But I have to admit the weekend of 22-23 March trounces it. Just look at this starry line-up:
6 Nations, first round
Australia: Super W – Round 4
New Zealand: Super Rugby Aupiki – Round 4
South Africa: Women’s Premier Division, last round
Spain v Brazil, first ever meeting in Madrid
USA: Women’s Elite Rugby – first two matches ever, with worldwide coverage.
They involve five continents (depending how you calculate them).
You will have your own favourite among those six on offer, but I suggest the most significant from a global perspective is the last, the opening bouts of the American semi-pro league, WER. Inside the last week they have been making all the right gestures. Here are announcements they’ve made, in chronological order:
WER signs multi-year agreement with Destination Sports Group to ensure all travel arrangements across the States.
IDA Sports will look after players’ footwear.
Pinto Capital LLP is to become financial advisor and partner.
USA Rugby and WER announce a formalised sanctioning agreement.
WER signs contract with DAZN for free worldwide TV coverage of all matches (dazn.com)
So the concerns I had about the venture being underprepared have been put to rest.
Summary
Perfectionists might argue it would be better to have these tournaments a little more spread out, but we still haven’t managed to fashion more than 366 days in the year, and only once every four years at that.
So it leaves us a few options: eight or more pairs of eyes each; record and play-back; or no sleep for 48+ hours.
