We now have the first dribble of news from World Rugby about fixtures for their innovative new series (henceforward the WXVGS).
We might wonder why the details are appearing piecemeal. The answer must be the massive size of the enterprise.
The First Choices
Even the three fixtures we now know about are open to question.
Why are Australia included? They rank 7th in the world, below France, Ireland and Scotland. Priority might (should?) have been given to them, in view of their relative standing. The Wallaroos have never beaten England.
In the opening statement the Wallaroos are presented as the hosts of the 2029 RWC. Fair enough, but that hardly compares with the rights of the other nations. Jilly Cooper, head of Women’s High Performance in Oz for the last eight years, has also been a leading figure on the WR stage.
Perhaps future announcements will clarify everything.
Venues
They present the RFU with the same old problems, concerning geography and stadiums.
They want to spread the game as widely as possible, but English rugby possesses few big arenas.
The games cover three disparate regions.
The Australia fixture visits the CorpAcq stadium in Salford. It is used by Sale Sharks men’s team, not the women, who stay loyal to the Morson Stadium in Sale itself. The capacity is around 12,000.
We could be certain that south-west England would find favour. This time it’s the turn of Sandy Park Exeter. Though there’s an enthusiastic following there, the ground lies on the outer edges of the city.
The big question is: why have the Black Ferns been offered the plum arena in West London?
By rights it should be Canada we see there. They are the RWC finalists, and attracted a world-record crowd to watch them.They might well see this choice as a sharp slap in the face.
The capacities tell the story: two grounds at well under 20,000, one at 82,000.
Presumably the RFU has judged the matter on history and tradition, not current standings. At least it gives the Ferns the chance to gain a first victory at HQ.
Jetlag
One overriding problem facing the organisers of the WXVGS concerns jetlag, or “circadian desychrony” if you prefer medical jargon.
It’s hard to imagine nations from Oceania (in the widest sense) flying to Europe for a single match. That’s where future announcements should clarify matters.
But everything has to be squeezed into those eight weeks next autumn.
Municipal Matters
It’s intriguing to see both Salford City Council and Manchester City Council agreeing to support the Australia game.
That news must bring a smile to students of municipal affairs. They are separate independent authorities, but closely linked by geography and working practices. Where does the one start and the other end? The answer is the River Irwell.
I wonder how many members of that MCC – they are many – are close followers of rugby union. Manchester has its heart and soul in football.
Supporting Statements
The RFU loves to add comments from a string of people applauding each stage of a new announcement.
In this case it’s Meg Jones for Twickenham, Maddie Feaunati for Exeter and Amy Cokayne for Salford. Were they the only Red Roses asked, or did their offerings prove better than all their rivals?
Answers to some of these questions should be with us within the next few months. Excitement grows.
