Statement: Nations Cup

International Rugby Players (IRP) notes today’s statement by Six Nations and SANZAAR in relation to a potential new global men’s XV tournament. 

The ‘Nations Cup’ is viewed as an exciting development across the July/ November window that the players’ union has put its weight behind, subject to meeting appropriate standards of welfare as well as increased opportunity for emerging nations to strategically grow the game.

Senior leaders of the global players body, with the full support of its board, met with key stakeholders in London this week, where the Nations Cup was discussed in the context of a broader Regulation 9 review, across both the club and international game. 

International Rugby Players acknowledges the efforts made by the international game in meeting these welfare standards for the Nations Cup, however senior players across the globe have made clear the need to take an holistic approach to the season structure, across both club and international fixtures. They remain committed to ensuring that the overall workload placed on senior international players cannot be increased any further than its current position  – something that can only be achieved through compromise from all stakeholders across the game.