World 12s rugby tournament dealt blow as unions shun concept

World 12s organisers remain confident the competition, which would be played over three weekends and is backed by World Cup-winning coaches Steve Hansen and Jake White, will still launch as planned next year

File photo by Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile

The proposed World 12s tournament has suffered a potentially terminal blow following opposition from unions and domestic competitions.

Dubbed the Indian Premier League of rugby, organisers planned to launch the 12-a-side tournament next August in the hope that its franchise system, including a player auction, would entice new fans and money into the game.