IRFU vows to protect players amid World League fears

The IRFU has reiterated its commitment to player welfare in the wake of reports that World Rugby is on the verge of introducing a World League format that has prompted a wave of protest from player reps.

Reports in New Zealand claim that a 12-team league involving the Six Nations representatives and their Rugby Championships counterparts, as well as Japan and the USA, would begin in 2020 with teams playing each other once in the calendar year.