Sport Industry Group

31 Aug 2010

Craig Livingstone, director at ProSport International, gives his views on the controversial plans to introduce an IPL-style rugby tournament.

I was excited the moment I heard about attempts to launch an IPL-type rugby tournament.

For years rugby has struggled to re-invent itself, inevitably changing the laws every few seasons to satisfy the demand for “entertainment”.

Most such attempts have failed, which is why the proposed initiative is so compelling – it has rugby at its heart, but it’s modern, short and sharp and it promises to reward the players like never before.

I’m disappointed that the International Rugby Board haven’t embraced it, but my feeling is that even if they don’t come around to the idea, dramatic change is inevitable in some form or other.

Whether it comes from South Africa or elsewhere, it will happen. Whether it happens now or in a few years, it will happen.

What’s not to like? Already 180 international players have signed up for what will be a short three- or four-week burst of action. Imagine the possibilities: Brian O’Driscoll in a team with Fourie du Preez and Richie McCaw, for instance. That’s the reality.

The teams certainly wouldn’t be traditional, more franchise-based in much the same way as the IPL, with players going up on auction and earning a minimum R500 000 for three or four weeks’ work.

There’s no question this concept must be 15-man, because then all body shapes and sizes will be accounted for, unlike Sevens, which typically excludes bigger, heavier players.

Obviously some laws need to change for such a tournament with the emphasis on try-scoring and great attacking play. As it is, the game is bogged down and too technical, which frustrates players and spectators alike.

I would like the tournament to be rotated. Unlike India, where cricket is so massive, the game couldn’t sustain such an event in a single venue year after year. It would be ideal to move the circus around, shifting it between the continents, perhaps even taking it to non-traditional venues. It would be a terrific way to spread the gospel.

No doubt the biggest challenge is to secure a window in the international calendar. Calls for a global season have heightened in recent years and the IRB must get to grips with this issue post-World Cup 2011.

If you have an automatic three-month window, such a tournament could easily slot in and the shorter nature of the matches would militate against injuries.

Two things are required to give life to the plan: obviously some sort of approval from the IRB would be ideal – I would hate to see them banning players – plus sponsorship and television money are vital.

Perhaps I should add another. Rugby also needs a change of philosophy. The game has served its players and fans well for over 100 years, but everything must evolve.

Rather than dismiss this proposal as unworkable or daft, why not embrace it and see where it leads?

Imagine if Kerry Packer had never had the foresight to start pyjama cricket or Lalit Modi was too afraid to pursue his IPL plan?

Rugby must be bold. I hope they run with the ball on this one.