Farrell and Sexton were among 40 players on a conference call in which players had “steam coming out of their ears” Times Photographer Marc AsplandWorld Rugby has been branded “out of touch” as Owen Farrell, Johnny Sexton and the game’s leading players registered firm opposition to the latest proposal for a new global league, which could see the Pacific Islands frozen out for 12 years. The governing body stands accused by the International Rugby Players’ (IRP) union of proposing a “money-driven league” that prioritises commercial objectives ahead of player welfare and the wider interests of the global game. World Rugby is seeking to amalgamate the Six Nations and Rugby Championship, its four-team southern hemisphere equivalent, into an annual global competition that would culminate with semi-finals and a final in November. The Nations League idea was the brainchild of Agustín Pichot, vice-chairman of World Rugby, who wants to create more…

Source: The Times February 28, 2019 08:48 UTC