Not a true World Cup

Press, 7 May 1983, Page 64

Not a true World Cup

The World Cup proposal that the International Rugby Board turned down earlier this year involved only 12 countries and would, therefore, not have been a true world tournament. This point is made in a statement issued by the New Zealand Rugby Union to clear up what it believes are certain mistaken impressions about the proposal, which came from a commercial organisation. The proposal was for 12 teams, the eight which

make up the international board and four others, with Argentina and Rumania being likely selections, says the statement. This would leave just two places to be filled by the countries of North America, the Pacific, Asia, Europe (except for France and Rumania) and Africa. If any of the major rugby countries were unable, or declined, to participate the tournament would lose further standing as a true world event.

The statement also raises another possible drawback — that the four countries to reach the finals would be required to play five full international matches within three weeks, in addition to their normal club, provincial and tour fixtures. When it became apparent that the tournament would not be approved, it was New Zealand which suggested that the alternative of a festival of rugby be investigated, the statement says.