Breakaway League Bids to Shake Up Rugby

Sources: South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand in Talks

Multiple sources report that South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand are in discussions to form a breakaway league that would reportedly begin as soon as 2024.

This latest development comes after SANZAAR, the governing body for the Rugby Championship, failed to agree on a new broadcast deal. The current deal expires in 2023.

Potential Impact on Global Rugby

If the breakaway league becomes a reality, it could have a significant impact on the global rugby landscape.

The three nations involved are all major rugby powers, and their departure from SANZAAR would leave the organization significantly weakened. It could also lead to a decrease in the quality of competition in the Rugby Championship.

However, the breakaway league could also provide some benefits. It could create a more competitive environment for the top teams in the world, which could lead to higher quality matches.

Financial Implications

The financial implications of a breakaway league are still unclear. However, it is likely that the new league would be more lucrative for the teams involved.

The three nations involved are all financially strong, and their departure from SANZAAR would leave the organization with less revenue. This could lead to a decrease in funding for the Rugby Championship and other SANZAAR competitions.

Reaction from SANZAAR

SANZAAR has not yet commented on the reports of a breakaway league. However, the organization is likely to be concerned about the potential impact on its competitions.

If the breakaway league becomes a reality, it could lead to a significant shift in the global rugby landscape. The full implications of the move are still unclear, but it is sure to be a major talking point in the rugby world for the foreseeable future.