Meeting.

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont has released a statement revealing he has called a meeting in Dublin for later this month with Tier One Unions, Fiji and Japan all invited to attend.

Controversial plans were revealed this week for a 12-team ‘World League’ that would see Japan and the USA join the Rugby Championship and the Pacific Island nations ‘locked out’ of Test rugby for at least 12 years.

A backlash from the International Rugby Players Council soon followed, but World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper came out in defence yesterday, stating that the report was inaccurate and that no decision had been made. And now World Rugby Chairman Beaumont has come out in similar fashion.

“I am convening a meeting of Chairmen and CEOs from tier one unions, Fiji and Japan, and player representatives in Dublin later this month to consider the way forward for an annual international competition.” Beaumont wrote on Twitter.

And in a further statement attached said the following:

“In light of continued speculation and commentary, I am convening a meeting of Chairmen and CEOS of Tier One Unions, Fiji and Japan and player representatives in Dublin later this month to consider the way forward for an annual international competition.”

“Contrary to reports, no decisions have been made. This is an ongoing and complex process with multiple stakeholders, some with very differing views. Only by working together in the interests of the global game can we achieve something truly impactful for rugby’s future global growth. I look forward to a constructive debate with my colleagues and productive outcomes.” 

Without doubt one of the biggest periods in the history of rugby since it turned professional. Whatever the outcome is – things will never be the same again.