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The alternative '8-8-8' World League format which is doing the rounds online and has Georgia's seal of approval

Georgia and New Zealand met in the 2015 RWC pool stages.

If there is one common theme in the controversy surrounding World Rugby’s proposal to commence a World League starting in 2022, it’s how little a voice the minnow tier two countries really have in the global running of the sport.

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Money clearly talks loudest and when you don’t have it, your say simply doesn’t get the notice it might deserve. 

However, with the clock ticking on the April 5 deadline for a decision on whether to adopt the World League or stick by an international calendar of fixtures agreed in San Francisco two years ago,  it is time to listen to some alternative suggestions as to how any agreed World League might be better formatted than the current proposal of three leagues of 12 teams. 

Georgia is one particular tier two country keen on ensuring its development isn’t stymied by the self-interests of the richer tier one nations. They were again recently crowned Six Nations B champions but continue to be kept at arm’s length away from the bigger boys except for the World Cup every four years.

It was on March 4 when Georgian Rugby president Gocha Svanidze caused a stir on Twitter when his association posted a video suggesting that the treatment of the tier two countries was “unacceptable” by “snub-nosed, retrograde officials” in World Rugby. 

(Continue reading below…)

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Now, more than fortnight later, comes a suggestion from people within the Georgian rugby community calling for what they believe is a better format for the World League to be considered.

They believe there should be three leagues of eight teams – not three 12s – and RugbyPass sets out their proposal below… 

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  In the beginning we have eight leading teams, who according to current world ranking are the original five Six Nations teams (without Italy) and the original three Rugby Championship teams (without Argentina);

  The first league of eight teams starts with New Zealand and finishes with France. The second league of eight teams starts with Fiji and finishes with Uruguay;

  The tournament would start in the February-March window where there would will be three or four rounds. All eight teams have to play seven rounds, which will finish in the June summer window where each team will play the remaining three or four rounds;

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  After the seven rounds it would be known which teams will be in top four and lower four in the first group of eight; and the lower four of the second group do likewise with the third grouping.

  The top four teams would continue to play with each other over three rounds to determine who is the winner. This would take place during the autumn window;

  As for the lower four teams from first group of 8, they will face the top four teams from the second group of eight;

  After the season is over, the new groups of eight teams will be established according to accumulated points.

Watch: Beaumont issues World League statement

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TI 24 minutes ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Rieko took literally years to turn from a defensive liability at 13 into a guy, who’s defensively sound as it befits the position. And it all came at the cost of him being much less of an offensive threat, than what he used to be. Proctor is a natural 13, he handles, passes, and kicks way better than Rieko ever will, he just isn’t as fast.


It’s unfair to judge Tupaea on the handful of games he’s had in 2022 before he got nearly crippled by a Wallaby lock. What could Tupaea/Proctor pairing be, if they got the same amount of chances as Jordie/Rieko?


Because no matter how you spin it, playing a player outside of his natural position is a poor asset management. No matter how talented he is, he still competes against players who had years and years of practice at the position. And if said guy is so talented that he actually CAN compete against specialists, imagine how much better still he could have been, if he had all those years to iron the toothing issues at the position. It just drives me mad.


Two things I hate in rugby union beyond description: aping after league, and playing players outside of their natural position. Especially considering, that they all admit they hate it, when they’re allowed to speak freely. Owen Farrell spent 80% of his international career at 12, saying every time when asked, that he is a 10 and prefers to play at 10. Those players are literally held at a gunpoint: play out of position, or no national jersey for you.

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H
Hellhound 1 hour ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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