If the Six Nations countries reject the World Rugby proposals today to set up a Nations Championships, then the sport will not progress for years. The timing of CVC’s offer for 30% of the Six Nations for around £500m is deliberately timed to wreck World Rugby plans to gain the funds to expand the game further into both Tier 2 and 3 countries.
CVC's bid also comes only three months after it bought 27% of Premiership Rugby for £230m, which could lead to a big conflict of interest for the money grabbing private equity boys. Imagine them dictating timing of fixtures for both competitions just to please a new rugby broadcaster like Amazon or Netflix ... yes, I am sorry, bye bye terrestrial coverage (we don't care about the fans, just the cash).
The Six Nations “Project Light” proposal involves pooling TV rights from the Six Nations and Autumn Internationals, which they believe can generate more revenue than the Nations Championship. The Northern Hemisphere nations obviously do not have the bargaining power of the Six Nations, so support the World Rugby proposal. What the Six Nations need to remember is that they need these countries support for Project Light - imagine NZ boycotting its annual trip to Twickenham? Fixtures against Georgia, Fiji and Samoa, whilst absolutely necessary, will not please fans, broadcasters or union.
It is simple for me, the Six Nations needs to modernise, embrace relegation and be one part of a bigger, global tournament. Anyone who loves rugby, should want the sport played by as many people as possible in as many countries as possible. And if Japan, USA or Pacific Islands replace Wales, New Zealand and Australia amongst the rugby elite, then so be it.
CVC are a profit driven group, no more. They are not a sponsor. They are not a "stakeholder". They turned a £500m investment in Formula One into an £8bn exit. This was paid for by the fans, with now the outcome being every single F1 race bar one, is only on pay per view / subscription to Sky. Paid for by selling the races to the hosts with most money. As a 30% SHAREHOLDER, they own 30% of the assets of the 6 Nations: ticket sales and TV rights, including when and where games will be held. Why not play England v Ireland in Boston? Or Scotland v France in the UAE? Or Italy v Wales in Moscow? Or closer to home - if Twickenham don't pay to host, then simply hire Wembley instead. Scotland - your ground is too small - we will play in Manchester instead. If tickets sell on the black market already for £500 each, why not sell them at that price instead - that's the way they see the market. This is the company that made £1bn buying the AA; stripping the assets including the pension fund, making thousands redundant or on new contracts and rolling it on. They brought nothing to F1, and took everything when they left; why on earth should they be allowed to the same with Rugby.
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