I understand the reservations that some rugby fans have about the final of the new national championship that will probably be played in Qatar from 2026.
I understand where supporters are coming from and are concerned about whether our sport is losing sight of its values by taking major matches to the Middle East and away from the rugby centres, the historic stadiums and where most of the fans are based.
But what I will say is that I am currently involved in projects in the area, so unlike many, I have first-hand experience of what it is like out there and how such events are organized.
I strongly believe that rugby, like other sports, must continue to move forward and embrace new opportunities or risk being left behind.
If anything, rugby has been too slow to take action. Other sports – such as football, boxing, golf and darts – have already brought high-profile events to countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
England will be part of a new Nations Cup, with finals that could take place in Qatar
Other sports have already brought a number of high-profile events to the country and Saudi Arabia in recent years
Rugby must move forward and embrace this movement or it risks falling behind the other sports
They have achieved success in this. I also think that the creation of LIV Golf and the big-money Saudi investments will also prove to be a good thing for their sport in the long run.
As I have made clear before, the Nations Cup – which takes place every two years – is far from perfect, as it is run by the Six Nations unions and the major Southern Hemisphere teams. I am afraid that the first countries will only move further ahead of the developing countries by establishing them. However, if Qatar hosts the Nations Championship final and can reportedly raise £800 million in revenue, it is crucial that a significant portion of that money goes to countries such as Georgia, Portugal and other countries that are boosting their rugby activities want to grow. .
Of course I would also like to see big matches take place in these countries and the top teams play away.
World Rugby must be transparent and make every effort to show how bringing the game to the Middle East will help developing rugby nations, not just deepen the pockets of the Six Nations and Rugby Championship teams. The National Championship is a new competition.
To succeed it must stand out and not get lost among the Rugby Championships, Six Nations, World Cup and the Champions Cup, all of which take place in similar environments.
Ultimately, the truth is that rugby has fallen far behind other sports in terms of finance and marketing. You can see this in the fact that even the leading unions and clubs are currently struggling financially. It is no surprise to me that Qatar’s offer will likely prove too attractive to turn down.
Individuals can decide for themselves whether that is good or bad. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
But personally I don’t think rugby is selling its soul if the sport’s administrators go this route.
I would expect Qatar to welcome its fans in the same way we saw them enjoy the 2022 World Cup
In today’s global world, the sport operates within a commercial market and rugby must at least keep pace with its rivals to have any chance of success. I’m sure some people will say that rugby should not be played in countries like Qatar or Saudi Arabia because of human rights issues.
Again, they are allowed to take that view. But from my experience working in the Middle East, I would say that countries in the region want to move beyond the past. And let’s face it: every country has things they’re not proud of. This also applies to England and the legacy of the British Empire.
We must encourage all countries to join the rugby family, embrace the values of the game and grow the sport around the world. By potentially hosting the Nations Cup, I expect Qatar will welcome its fans in the same way we saw them enjoy the 2022 World Cup, which was a success.
It is imperative that Qatar supports every effort that rugby makes to be more inclusive.
Players and coaches traveling to Qatar to play are raising some concerns about their well-being and the impact on the environment. It makes you wonder how many fans will be traveling too.
It is crucial that a significant portion of that money goes to countries like Georgia and other countries that want to grow their rugby
But as long as all these things are taken into consideration and those who take the field are properly cared for, I think it can have a positive impact on the sport in the long run.
Rugby is having a hard time and just has to move with the times. If that doesn’t happen, it will only fall further behind than it already is.
