Photo: Getty ImagesAll Blacks captain Kieran Read has spoken of his concerns for the integrity of the game and the welfare of its players following news that World Rugby is about to sign off on a major new competition structure. The New Zealand Herald yesterday revealed that World Rugby has been negotiating without consultation with its top players the establishment of a World League involving 12 nations who will play each other every non-World Cup year. The world's best players, including Read, have quickly reacted to the plans – yet to be confirmed by World Rugby – by listing their worries, including the freezing out once more of Pacific Island nations. Read's comments are included in a carefully-worded but very strong statement from the International Rugby Players' Association which should leave World Rugby in no doubt as to what the players think of the idea. However, we have to make sure that the integrity of the game and welfare of the players is protected."

Source: Otago Daily Times February 28, 2019 18:56 UTC