Sir Ian McGeechan's 10-point plan to revitalise rugby

British and Irish Lions great Sir Ian McGeechan has unveiled his ten-point plan to revitalise rugby.

Since rugby around the globe has been put on pause due to the global pandemic, there has been plenty of suggestions on how rugby could resume and change in the near future. World Rugby and competitions around the world have the unique opportunity to effectively press the reset button on the make up of the global rugby calendar.

This is particularly relevant with the World Rugby chairman role having being voted on this past week. Ian McGeechan has followed Clive Woodward in putting together his 10-point plan to revitalise rugby. In his column with the Daily Mail, Woodward called on delegates to open their minds and vote for the good of World Rugby and not just self-interest, effectively backing Agustin Pichot.

Meanwhile, McGeechan has placed particular emphasis on better aligning the different schedules.

“Rather than a non-stop season followed by a long summer break, it would be better to throw in three four-week rest windows through the year. The players would train through them anyway, just as they do in the summer now. But mentally as much as physically it’s important to rest regularly." McGeechan wrote.

Ian McGeechan's 10-point plan:

1. Put the players first

2. Create a nine-month season with three ‘breaks’

3. Align the global rugby calendar

4. Hold a Tier Two World Cup at same time as World Cup

5. Standardise 14-club leagues

6. World Club Challenge and streamlined European tournament

7. Get Tier One playing against Tier Two nations on a regular basis

8. Give Tier Two countries the chance to field their best players

9. Give Tier Two nations better support at every level

10. Create a World Rugby financial controller

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