The new tournament, which will involve three competitions, is a triumph for Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie
Peace has broken out in Europe. Not quite at the 11th hour, unlike eight years ago, but this time the conclusion was not inevitable; far from it. Even a few months ago, there was a very real danger that the European Cup would not continue as a six-nation tournament. The actual announcement may have been delayed, but the deal has been done.
If it took the diplomatic skills of Ian Ritchie, the Rugby Football Union chief executive, to pull all the stakeholders back from the brink, the Scottish Rugby Union and the four Welsh regions also played pivotal roles in establishing the new tournament, which will involve three cup competitions. Reported by guardian.co.uk 8 hours ago.
Peace has broken out in Europe. Not quite at the 11th hour, unlike eight years ago, but this time the conclusion was not inevitable; far from it. Even a few months ago, there was a very real danger that the European Cup would not continue as a six-nation tournament. The actual announcement may have been delayed, but the deal has been done.
If it took the diplomatic skills of Ian Ritchie, the Rugby Football Union chief executive, to pull all the stakeholders back from the brink, the Scottish Rugby Union and the four Welsh regions also played pivotal roles in establishing the new tournament, which will involve three cup competitions. Reported by guardian.co.uk 8 hours ago.