IRB to sanction autumn World Cup

IRB to sanction autumn World Cup

17/11/2006

The 2011 World Cup will be held in September and October as part of the International Rugby Board's plans for a fully integrated global season.

The IRB are currently reviewing detailed proposals for a 2008-2019 international tours schedule and central to that is the creation of a permanent window for the World Cup.

Chairman Dr Syd Millar said: "The development and implementation of an integrated season that suits all stakeholders in the game is a complex one.

"The existing schedule for international matches evolved historically, but what is needed is a schedule that better reflects the modern game, takes into account all stakeholder groups and one that fits strategically with the development goals of the IRB.

"The placement of the Rugby World Cup is of paramount importance as it has a huge affect on the rugby calendar, both in the year it is played and in the four-year cycle between tournaments.

"We have made forward progress on the issue and council members will review detailed proposals for an interim international match and tours schedule for 2008-2019 over the coming months, with a view to making an announcement on its implementation in May 2007.


"To assist the continued work on the integrated season the council has announced that the seventh Rugby World Cup in New Zealand will take place in September and October in 2011.

"Under consideration by council is a permanent playing window for Rugby World Cup."

The September-October window was preferred by New Zealand but unless there is a change to the structure of the global season, it will disappoint the northern hemisphere unions.

The 2007 World Cup in France is also in September and October and affects the fixture scheduling of two domestic seasons.

Rugby Football Union chairman Martyn Thomas said recently: "As England always said in their unsuccessful bid for next year's World Cup, the French bid will result in a disruption of two years.

"That has only just come home to roost but no-one accepted that at the time. We have a problem for two years as a result of the World Cup."