Here are your rugby morning headlines for Monday, September 13.
Shane fears World 12s is doomed to fail in rugby’s fraught politics
Wales legend Shane Williams fears the proposed World 12s is destined to fail as it seems to be another financially-fuelled format in a sport already spreading itself thin in chasing revenue streams.
In his Rugby Paper column, he expressed doubts that the 12-a-side format could be fitted into a packed calendar when there is already enough conflict over Test matches taking place outside the international window.
Pointing to Wales’ clash with New Zealand, Williams agreed the clubs had no reason to bow to the Welsh Rugby Union’s desire to schedule a fourth game – but he also understood why the WRU would organise a fixture even when they know they’ll be weakened without their Welsh players.
Ultimately, the former Wales wing struggles to see how the World 12s can fit into the already fraught politics of rugby.
“How on earth are they going to get both the clubs and Unions on side when those two differing view-points clash so regularly already?” Williams…
