Dubai: Former Fiji boss Ben Ryan hopes IMG’s IPL-sevens style city-franchise tournament proposal is signed off as quickly as possible by World Rugby.
“It’s definitely the way to go,” said the Olympic gold medal-winning coach of an annual month-long Big Bash type tournament suggestion to be held in Europe every August. “I really hope it happens soon because it’s the next step needed, reminding ourselves that it shouldn’t undervalue what’s happening at World Series level, because that’s been the driver for all success off the field — to make it an Olympic sport, and raising its profile.
“At the moment we have six months off between World Series seasons and we definitely need more games and the opportunity to increase salaries. This would enable teams to keep and recruit a better standard of player, while spreading the game,” he added on the sidelines of a HSBC video screening of Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll’s ‘Death Zone’ documentary at the Dubai Rugby Sevens on Thursday.
“Interweaving different nationalities within teams and developing camaraderie also espouses the values of rugby, so for me it’s a must.
“IMG is working in tandem with World Rugby now to go around the Unions and see if they will loan out players, but I’m sure Unions will see the benefit. At the moment, there are some players they can’t afford to keep in sevens, but if they can franchise the player I’m sure they could negotiate keeping them in the national team.
“So, for me, it’s a no brainer, World Rugby and IMG are speaking to Unions and trying to get this moving as quick as they can.”
On USA coach Mike Friday’s view that the event should be held in America and not Europe, Ryan said: “I don’t agree. American sevens events haven’t been putting people on seats and they’ve had a few failed tournaments recently. It’s also a big country, you want to go somewhere where travel is easy, and there is an effective rugby crowd.
“It’s not about developing the game, it’s about an effective commercial model to increase funds for players.
“IMG have a long-term view and they want to be in this a long time. I’m sure they will take it to other parts eventually, but it’s a big gamble to take it to a country where rugby is not a top five sport.
“IMG know the American market inside out — they own UFC and run the IPL — they are probably best suited to do this and they have decided to take a measured punt, and the best place is undoubtedly Europe.”
