Rugby: IRB back battle of the hemispheres

International Rugby Board bosses today gave their unanimous support to a proposed inaugural battle of the hemispheres at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium later this year.

The north versus south clash is scheduled to take place on November 30.

Former Lions coach Syd Millar, chairman of the IRB technical committee, will appoint coaches for both teams, with Australian legend Michael Lynagh acting as match manager.

Rugby’s poorer countries, both in terms of finance and player resources, are set to benefit from funds raised.

‘‘This initiative will help to re-establish and rejuvenate the game among proud rugby countries like Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Romania,’’ said Australian Rugby Union managing director John O’Neill.

‘‘It will also help create a much more competitive structure at the elite level.’’

The game which could feature world stars like Jonah Lomu, George Gregan, Jason Robinson, Brian O’Driscoll and Olivier Magne has been pencilled in for a week after the autumn series of internationals, involving all the home nations, finishes.

The IRB anticipates all required players will be released although that remains to be seen given the congested British and European fixture schedule.

IRB officials today also rubber-stamped England’s one-Test tour of Argentina this summer which replaces a proposed South Sea Islands trip to Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

England are set to tackle the Pumas in Buenos Aires on June 22, a week after Argentina host Lloyds-TSB Six Nations champions France.

Two minor law changes have also been announced following IRB Council discussions in Dublin.

All starts and restarts in matches, taking effect from August 1 in the northern hemisphere, will be by means of a drop-kick, while referees can award free-kicks against teams who delay forming a line-out.