Instead of a closed shop, World Rugby needs an open mind

As key stakeholders in rugby convene in Dublin tomorrow about a ‘world’ league that seems more concerned with concentrating and increasing the wealth for its bluebloods than spreading the word to the unconverted and the cash to the marginalised, it has probably escaped rather than focused their minds that the deciding game in Europe’s biggest international competition is once again between one nation with a population of just 6.6 million and another with just 3.1 million.

Just like 10 years ago, and indeed 14 years ago, the outcome of the Six Nations championship and a possible Grand Slam and Triple Crown hinges on a game between Ireland and Wales in Cardiff.