Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

It's just like 'self-marking your homework': Stinging criticism for World Rugby governance review

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Pacific Rugby Players Welfare chief executive Dan Leo has expressed concern over World Rugby’s governance review. Recently re-elected World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont announced the independent-led review on Wednesday, which had been promised by him in his election campaign. 

ADVERTISEMENT

The core objective is to analyse the effectiveness of the current governance model, focusing on these areas: Gender balance and diversity on World Rugby boards and committees; Player representation within World Rugby’s governance structures; Committee structure and reporting flows for effectiveness; Suitability, definition and naming of emerging nations/established nations groups; The format and frequency of council meetings to best serve the global game; The criteria for appointment of council members and the fit and proper person test for elected members.”

Former Samoa international Leo has been demanding answers from World Rugby ever since Fiji Rugby Union chairman Francis Kean stood down from the World Rugby council in April after allegations of homophobia and discrimination. 

Video Spacer

Lions boss Warren Gatland guests on The Lockdown, the RugbyPass pandemic interview series

Video Spacer

Lions boss Warren Gatland guests on The Lockdown, the RugbyPass pandemic interview series

Responding to the announcement of the review, Leo said on Twitter that there was “no mention of criteria for who heads governing bodies”. 

While the Kean fiasco has forced World Rugby to investigate “the criteria for appointment of council members”, Leo has consistently questioned how union officials are chosen ever since Beaumont’s appointment and has underlined the urgency in which this needs to be addressed.

Kean, who was convicted of manslaughter in 2007, has remained chairman of the FRU, while his brother-in-law and Fijian Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, is the president of the FRU. Leo has lobbied World Rugby to look into this and feels this review is not enough. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Furthermore, Leo has questioned the entire process of the review, saying: “And correct me if I’m wrong but the way I read it, the working group are pretty much all the World Rugby council people so they’re investigating themselves?”

While the review will be chaired by British Olympic Committee chairman and former UK Sports Minister, Hugh Robertson, alongside “independent experts, players and representatives from emerging and established rugby nations”, the working group will also contain Beaumont, his vice-chairman Bernard Laporte and chief executive Brett Gosper. 

Some have said that this limits the effectiveness of the review, and Leo has likened it to self-marking homework at school. 

The review findings will be presented to the World Rugby council later this year and although there may be limitations to this review in the 37-year-old’s eyes, there is little chance that he will concede defeat.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

H
Hellhound 1 hour ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.


However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.


There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.


By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.


After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.


The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.


Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

8 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ Gatland defiant but Welsh rugby no nearer escape route with Springboks looming Gatland defiant but Welsh rugby no nearer escape route with Springboks looming
Search