World League would leave smaller rugby nations with 'no hope'

Cape Town - The proposed World League would leave smaller rugby nations with "no hope of advancement", says Samoan captain Chris Vui.

It was confirmed on Thursday that World Rugby is considering a new-look 12-team international tournament from 2020 that would see South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy, France, Japan and the USA compete in an annual tournament that would change the face of international rugby. 

With no relegation or promotion expected, it leaves fringe rugby nations like Canada, Namibia, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Georgia and Romania well and truly sidelined. 

READ: Top players raise major issues with proposed World League

It is understood that the proposed World League would run on a cycle of 10 to 12 years without any promotion or relegation, so it is understandable that the fringe nations are not overly excited by the product. 

"For countries in this bracket and for Pacific Islanders in particular, our biggest issue has always been the 'club versus country' factor," Vui said.

"We feel that that a 12-year deal is not workable, particularly when it presents no hope of advancement during that period.

"This will have the dangerous knock-on effect of luring senior players away from their countries and more towards the clubs, which is the exact opposite of what we’re all trying to achieve."

A decision on the World League is expected as early as next month.