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World Rugby welcomes commitment from the Six Nations and SANZAAR for closer collaboration to ensure a more harmonious global calendar for all stakeholders.

World Rugby has consistently supported and championed reform of the international calendar for the betterment of the sport as a whole, including all unions, international and club competition organisers, and players.

Within regular and productive discussions between stakeholders, World Rugby is working to ensure that any calendar outcome recognises the global nature of our sport, and therefore the competition needs of all nations at all levels.

Any proposed competition model must also prioritise player welfare considerations, the women's game, and protect the funding model of the wider game which is driven by the growth in the value of Rugby World Cup.

World Rugby looks forward to further close collaboration with all parties to reach the best outcome for the global game. A decision on any adjustment to the current global calendar and its international release windows will need to be considered and taken by the World Rugby Council.

Editors'' Notes

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

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The game-changing Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan has achieved another landmark by winning the 'Outstanding Production Achievement - Event' category at the SVG Europe TV Awards, announced in an online ceremony on 27 May.

With World Rugby producing the coverage in-house for the first time, in partnership with IGBS, RWC 2019 in Japan was the most watched rugby event ever with more than 857 million people around the world watching the action via World Rugby's network of rights-holding broadcast partners, an increase of 26 per cent from the previous tournament in England in 2015.

Asia's first Rugby World Cup saw cumulative live audience grow from 479 million in 2015 to 501 million in 2019 to create a groundbreaking impact for the sport in Asia and around the globe. Audience growth was driven by the Asian market and, in particular, Japan, where the Brave Blossoms' performance captured hearts and minds. In Japan, a total cumulative audience of 425 million tuned into RWC 2019, more than five times the Japanese viewership for England 2015.

World Rugby Chief Operating Officer and Head of Rugby World Cup Alan Gilpin said: "The decision to take the broadcast 'in house' with a dedicated Host Broadcaster for the first time was rewarded with a very high quality production in partnership with IGBS. This achievement is testament to the passion, talent and dedication of our staff and partners involved in the delivery of what will be remembered as one of the greatest Rugby World Cups of all time."

World Rugby Chief Marketing Officer Marissa Pace added: "We are grateful for this award. Everyone worked tirelessly to put this production together and the output speaks volumes for the creativity, imagination and storytelling that we were able to convey in the broadcasts for Rugby World Cup 2019. The objective was to engage the audience in innovative ways to create new rugby fans, and to capture the imagination of millions around the world who watched in record numbers. We thank our production partners, IGBS, without whom we could not have accomplished our vision."

Dan Miodownik, IGBS Executive Producer for the project said, "It's a real honour to receive this award, especially for an event that was as special and eventful as this one was. From a broadcast perspective this tournament consisted of a number of firsts, with UHD, multifeeds, a media server, local and virtual IBCs amongst them, all designed to add value to the rights holders broadcast plans and to ease the demands on their operations. Like rugby, broadcast is a team event, and given the truly challenging circumstances it would not have been possible without everyone working together."

Editors'' Notes

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 124 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

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Editors'' Notes

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

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World Rugby has paid tribute to Alain Rolland following the Irishman's decision to step down from his role as 15s High Performance Match Officials Manager at the end of July.

Following a strong showing by the match officials during Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, Rolland departs with the high-performance match official structures in great shape having implemented world-class performance and management programmes during his tenure.

During four years with World Rugby, Rolland created the platform for the world's top match officials to thrive on the world stage.

By focusing on a strong performance culture, Rolland was part of a refreshed selection process, chaired by Anthony Buchanan, that implemented stronger collaboration with national team coaches, union and competition referee managers and broadcasters. He opened the way for the emergence of new talent on the road for Rugby World Cup 2019 that will form the backbone of future selections, including Rugby World Cup 2023.

Following the completion of a successful four-year cycle which elevated the performances of the world's top male and female referees, Rolland believes the time is right to seek new challenges and spend more time with his family.

Rolland said: "It has been an enormous privilege to work with such an exceptional team of match officials and staff at World Rugby over the last four years. Collectively, we have always strived to improve, to be the best we can be, and I am very proud of what the match officials have achieved and grateful for their full support along the way.

"I also appreciated the relationship with the national team coaches based on mutual respect and open communication. They, like us, want to see consistency and ultimately a better game, which has been evidenced through our workshops and joint role in assisting with ongoing law reviews.

"It has been a challenging but rewarding journey. I have worked with some incredible people, but the time is right to dial back the travel, spend more time with my family and move forward with my new business ventures."

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont added: "Alain has been at the forefront of raising the performance bar for match officials, adjusting to law interpretations and amendments and developing a strong team culture along the way, which was very apparent over the last four years culminating in Rugby World Cup.

"I would like to thank Alain for his dedicated contribution and he will be a tough act to follow. He leaves with a tremendous legacy and a superb group of match officials who, I am sure, will be in excellent shape at Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand and Rugby World Cup 2023 in France."

The process to recruit Rolland's replacement will be announced in due course.

Editors'' Notes

Introducing World Rugby Media Zone: we are currently operating a transition from our current distribution service to the World Rugby Media Zone, the destination for all World Rugby related news and media content. From 3 July, all World Rugby communications will be distributed via the new portal. Please login or register at www.world.rugby/media-zone

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

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Following a comprehensive consultation process the remaining rounds of the women's and men's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020 in Langford, London, Paris, Singapore and Hong Kong have been cancelled due to the ongoing and dynamic global nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing the 2020 Series to an early conclusion.

The decision follows detailed and constructive dialogue with the host and participating unions, and has been taken with the health and wellbeing of the rugby community and the wider public as top priority, and in line with the relevant national government and public health authority advice.

New Zealand will be awarded both the women's and men's titles courtesy of being top of the standings before the pandemic interrupted the Series with five of the eight women's rounds and six of the ten men's rounds successfully completed.

The Black Ferns Sevens had topped the podium in four of the five rounds in the women's Series so far, while the All Blacks Sevens had claimed three victories and five podium finishes in the six rounds completed in the men's Series.

Olympic Champions Australia finish second in the women's Series with Canada in third. In the men's Series, the 2018 champions South Africa finish in second place with Olympic and 2019 Series champions Fiji in third. There will be no relegation from the women's or men's Series in 2020.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020 women's final standings >>
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020 men's final standings >>

The HSBC World Rugby Challenger Series men's and women's final events will also not take place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Challenger Series was launched by World Rugby this year to boost rugby sevens' development across the globe, particularly in emerging nations, and this objective remains a key priority, providing a promotion pathway into the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Japan are awarded the inaugural men's Challenger Series title as they topped the rankings after the two completed events, claiming gold and bronze in the two rounds that took place earlier in 2020 in Chile and Uruguay. Japan will join the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2021 as the sixteenth core team.

There will be no promotion to the women's Series this year as the inaugural Challenger Series event originally scheduled for 28-29 March in Stellenbosch, South Africa was not able to take place.

As a result of these amendments, seedings for the Tokyo Olympic Games will be adapted to include results from the 2021 Series to ensure they provide the most robust and accurate representation of current form when the Games commence in July 2021.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: "While it is very disappointing for players, fans, organisers and everyone involved to have to cancel these events due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the health and wellbeing of the rugby community and wider society remains the number one priority.

"These difficult decisions have been taken following detailed consultation with our union partners and in line with advice from the various government and public health agencies around the world, given the global nature of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

"Rugby sevens is a key driver of global growth for our sport, particularly in emerging nations, and it firmly remains a top priority for our organisation. As we begin to see light at the end of the tunnel, 2021 has potential to be a very exciting year for rugby sevens with the Tokyo Olympic Games on the horizon.

"Congratulations to New Zealand on being awarded both the women's and men's Series titles following their outstanding and consistent performances prior to the onset of the pandemic, and to Japan for being crowned champions of the inaugural Challenger Series and securing a core place on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2021.

"We thank our union, commercial and broadcast partners for their continued support and solidarity during this difficult time. We are united in our commitment and will continue to work hard in a spirit of collaboration as we plan for a return to international rugby sevens as soon as safely possible."

HSBC Global Head of Brand Partnerships Jonathan Castleman said: "As long-term global partner of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, we fully support the difficult decision taken to cancel these tournaments in response to the ongoing impact of Coronavirus. The health, safety and welfare of the players, fans and everyone working on the events must be the priority. We will be working closely with our partners, World Rugby, to help the sport rebuild and to ensure that as soon as it is safe to do so, rugby sevens will once again entertain and inspire communities around the world."

International Rugby Players Head of Legal and Player Welfare, David Quinlan said: "Players are naturally disappointed at today's announcement, however given the circumstances of this pandemic, it's the right decision for all concerned. We will continue to work with World Rugby on next season's schedule so that players can focus on getting back on the pitch and preparing for an Olympic Games in 2021."

Ticket holders for the cancelled HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020 events in Langford, London, Paris, Singapore and Hong Kong are advised to contact the event organiser for more information regarding their respective event.

Further information on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2021 will follow in due course.

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Editors'' Notes

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

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Activate is a proven injury-prevention rugby warm-up programme
Used regularly, Activate can reduce soft tissue injuries by between 26 and 40 per cent
It can also reduce concussion risk by 29 and 60 per cent in youth and adult rugby players
It is beneficial for both the elite and community game
Elements can be practiced at home to prepare for rugby's return

World Rugby is calling on the global rugby family to 'Activate' at home and get ready for rugby's restart as the world prepares to return from the COVD-19 lockdown.

The game-changing programme has compelling injury-prevention benefits for both the community and elite levels according to research undertaken by the RFU and the University of Bath.

Used regularly in preparation to train and play, Activate can reduce the risk of soft-tissue injuries by 26 and 40 per cent and concussion risk by 29 and 60 per cent in youth and adult rugby players respectively.

Activate is proving a hit around the world with community and professional teams alike introducing Activate into their training programmes and courses run in more than 100 countries.

With rugby and society in lockdown, World Rugby encourages players and match officials to run Activate safely at home to maintain general rugby conditioning and prevent injuries when returning to play. In Samoa, Activate is broadcast live on national TV every Monday and Tuesday during the lockdown to help population stay active.

Activate is a cornerstone of rugby preparation across the globe and since its launch in September 2019, almost 400 coaches have attended face-to-face courses delivered by licensed Trainers and Educators across the world. The objective being to build delivery and education capacity within the sport' global community coaching network.

The programme, which is available in 11 languages, has been accessed online by more than 5,000 coaches where supportive educational materials, including video and cue cards can be accessed to guide implementation for everyone in the game.

WATCH ACTIVATE PROGRAMME VIDEO >>

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: "As the game's global governing body, we have made strong progress in ensuring that the game is as simple, safe and enjoyable to play as possible for all through an evidence-based approach to education, management and prevention.

"Activate is a cornerstone of our prevention strategy with proven benefits. It is accessible to all via our digital platforms, simple to implement and should be adopted by everyone in the game."

Since the programme''s global launch in September 2019, feedback from participants and coaches from across the game has been overwhelmingly positive.

Several elite teams including the Fiji women's sevens team are regularly using the programme, which bring additional performance benefits by keeping players fit for longer and therefore preventing injuries that could rule them out of selection.

Continued research undertaken by World Rugby in partnership with unions will provide a truly global picture of Activate's impact across the game.

Activate is part of World Rugby's holistic evidence-based approach to injury prevention that includes education at all levels (Tackle Ready, Activate, concussion app), law trials in domestic competitions and law application guidelines to change risky behaviours (High Tackle Sanction Framework, breakdown).

To access World Rugby's Activate Programme please visit https://iris.world.rugby/coaching/activate-injury-prevention-exercise-programme

Editors'' Notes

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

.emailview .emailview

Editors'' Notes

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 124 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby

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Rugby sevens players are joining forces with fellow Olympic athletes to encourage people all around the globe to 'stay active' as part of the annual Olympic Day commemorations on 23 June.

Fiji's inspirational star Meli Derenalagi has joined over twenty athletes from other Olympic sports to feature in the official Olympic Day workout video as part of the world's largest 24-hour digital Olympic workout.

VIEW OLYMPIC DAY WORKOUT VIDEOS >>

To mark Olympic Day, World Rugby's social media channels will also be reliving Fiji and Australia's incredible journeys to claim the men's and women's gold medals respectively at the Rio 2016 Games.

Meanwhile current stars of the sport will be discussing their hopes and expectations for the Tokyo Games next year, and picking their team mates best suited for other Olympic events in a video strand called Sprint. Surf. Climb.

VISIT WORLD RUGBY INSTAGRAM >>

Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world into lockdown and the postponement of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, close to 5,000 Olympians have engaged with a remarkable 243 million people online across more than 50 countries in the IOC's #StayStrong, #StayActive, #StayHealthy campaign by sharing their daily workouts and uplifting tips on how to stay healthy in body and mind.

It is proven that physical activity improves mental health, helps beat negative thoughts, lowers stress and depression, and strengthens the immune system and many rugby sevens players have shared unique and creative ways to keep active during this period.

The IOC 'Stay Active' campaign compliments World Rugby's own 'Activate' programme, launched in 2019 as a ground-breaking preventive exercise programme designed to reduce injuries and contribute to player performance. Rugby players, parents and coaches are all encouraged to download the free Activate resources, including a useful online 'virtual' training course.

WORLD RUGBY 'ACTIVATE' EXERCISE RESOURCES >>

Rugby returned to the Olympic programme at the Rio 2016 Games when the sevens format provided a captivating showcase for the game that saw its fan-base increase by almost 17 million in six key territories, with Tokyo 2020 expected to unearth an estimated 30 million new fans worldwide.

The high-octane spectacle that is rugby sevens is expected to be a hot ticket at the Games in Tokyo, which have been rescheduled to 23 July-8 August, 2021, following the huge success of Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, which was a catalyst for national pride growth in Japan, capturing the imagination, growing rugby interest and leaving a positive legacy for the sport, according to the latest research.

Editors'' Notes

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

.emailview .emailview

Editors'' Notes

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

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The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games organising committee and the International Olympic Committee have announced the revised competition schedule for the Tokyo Olympic Games which were postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the Opening Ceremony now set for 23 July 2021.

In a reverse from the previous edition in Rio, the men's rugby sevens competition will take place first, running over three days from 26-28 July, with the women's competition following on 29-31 July, which sees the gold medal match falling on 'Super Saturday' - traditionally a highlight of the Games.

The organising committee has re-confirmed that there will be two sessions on each competition day. The morning sessions will kick-off at 09:00 JST and finish at 12:00 JST and the evening sessions will begin at 16:30 JST and end at either 19:00 or 19:30 JST. The medal matches will take place in the evening sessions.

As per the pre-postponement schedule, the times have been selected in the interests of player welfare to avoid the peak heat of Japanese summer time and maximise fan atmosphere and engagement.

View the full schedule here >>

As previously announced, the rugby sevens will take place at the iconic Tokyo Stadium, which proved itself to be an excellent Rugby World Cup 2019 host venue, with a fantastic atmosphere and superb playing conditions.

Rugby Sevens is anticipated to be one of the most sought after tickets of the Games following the huge success of Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, which captured the nation''s imagination, with a record-breaking cumulative domestic television audience of 425 million and the creation of more than one million new rugby participants through the Impact Beyond programme.

The race to Tokyo Olympic qualification is almost complete with 21 of the 24 teams having already secured their tickets to Tokyo. The remaining two women's and one men's places will be decided at an Olympic Repechage event prior to the qualification deadline.

View Tokyo Olympic qualification here >>

Rugby sevens was a highlight of a spectacular Rio 2016 Olympic Games on debut, with Australia's women and Fiji's men winning gold medals - the first Olympic rugby medals since 1924, and the first Olympic medal in Fiji's history.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: "The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is the pinnacle event for the world's finest rugby sevens players and confirmation of the competition dates is an exciting boost to the rugby community ahead of what promises to be a special Games.

"Set against the backdrop of society's emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic, I am sure that Tokyo 2020 will be a a special celebration of sport and solidarity."

For information regarding the ticketing programme visit the Tokyo 2020 organising committee website here >>

Editors'' Notes

Introducing World Rugby Media Zone: we are currently operating a transition from our current distribution service to the World Rugby Media Zone, the destination for all World Rugby related news and media content. From 31 July, all World Rugby communications will be distributed via the new portal. Please login or register at www.world.rugby/media-zone

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

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1.5 million people have completed World Rugby courses since their inception in 2007
More than 140,000 people across 85 nations undertake World Rugby e-learning so far in 2020, double the total annual figure in 2019
More than 70,000 players,coaches, administrators and volunteers have undertaken dedicated COVID-19 training to mitigate transmission risk in the sport
Concussion and laws education completions surge online
World Rugby committed to supporting unions building neccessary capacity and consistency to ensure rugby is better placed than ever to restart

As rugby returns from the global COVID-19 pandemic, the sport will have never been so well prepared, thanks to a record surge in online learning.

Record World Rugby e-learing course completions of 140,000 in the first half of the year has taken the total number of completions to 1.5 million worldwide since the programme began in 2007, with 2020 set to be the biggest-ever year of course delivery by the international federation despite the pandemic.

More than 70,000 people have undertaken World Rugby''s training and education courses online in 2020, surpassing the total for the calendar year in 2019, while a further 70,000 people have undertaken dedicated COVID-19 return-to-play education as preparation for rugby training and playing continues.

Featuring 32 onlIne learning modules and 28 face-to-face courses across seven dedicated strands, including World Rugby''s flagship Rugby Ready programme, which is designed to build union capacity and consistency across coaching, officiating, medical and adminsitration to ensure that the sport is as simple, safe and enjoyable to play as possible.

The huge online response also underscores the commitment of World Rugby''s Technical Services department in aiming not just to maintain education levels during the global lockdown, but increase reach and engagement.

Highlights include:

More than 70,000 players, coaches, medics and public having undertaken World Rugby's e-learning modules so far in 2020, surpassing the total for the whole of 2019
39,500 players, coaches and administrators have undertaken multi-lingual COVID-19 return-to-play training, while a further 28,300 have undertaken COVID-19 self checks
15,000 new concussion education completions, an increase of 20 per cent over the same period in 2019
17,000 new completions of the laws of the game programme online, representing a 20 per cent increase in completions year-on-year
More than 700 face-to-face courses delivered in 85 unions (where restrictions have allowed) to 9,582 participants

Even before COVID-19, there was already high growth and adoption in education technology across World Rugby's programmes, with the percentage of online course delivery versus face-to-face delivery increasing dramatically, despite a rise in the latter.

World Rugby Head of Technical Services Mark Harrington said: "To support the large-scale delivery of essential courses and programmes for the rugby community, we have been actively engaging with remote education technologies and approaches to ensure that the community continues to be engaged and productive during the lockdown.

"A combination of this approach and rugby inactivity has enabled us to reach more people than ever before to deliver courses to, including the general public, which augers really well as we begin to emerge from the pandemic.

"Delivery of COVID-19 related courses for community rugby and education on the return to play process has been a major highlight, while we are also experiencing a surge in concussion and laws education, all of which will ensure that the sport has never been so prepared to return as we start to a return to training and playing around the globe."

World Rugby General Manager, Training and Education Jock Peggie added: "While there will always be elements of practical delivery that are most effective face-to-face, the surge in online learning during the pandemic has enabled us to expand the breadth of our delivery and reach people we may not ordinarily be able to deliver courses to. Video conferencing capability has provided the important benefit of ensuring that our licensed training and education workforce around the globe are engaged, quality assured and up to date which will benefit the sport at all levels."

World Rugby''s portfolio of e-learning courses can be found at www.playerwelfare.worldrugby.org

COVID-19 resources: https://playerwelfare.worldrugby.org/covid-19 ?
COVID-19 tests: https://playerwelfare.worldrugby.org/covid-19-courses
Breakdown Law Application Guideline - further detail: https://laws.worldrugby.org/en/guidelines/15/detail

Editors'' Notes

Introducing World Rugby Media Zone: we are currently operating a transition from our current distribution service to the World Rugby Media Zone, the destination for all World Rugby related news and media content. From 31 July, all World Rugby communications will be distributed via the new portal. Please login or register at www.world.rugby/media-zone

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

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Process designed to promote regional strength and the best teams to rugby's showcase event
12 teams already qualified owing to top three pool placing at RWC 2019
RWC 2023 on track to be a spectacular celebration of rugby and France

World Rugby has announced details of the qualification process for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.

Following the most competitive and widely-acclaimed Rugby World Cup to date in Japan, the qualification process is designed to deliver the top teams in the world to rugby''s showcase tournament, while promoting a genuine opportunity for all unions.

With 12 teams having secured their place at France 2023 courtesy of finishing in the top three of their respective pools at RWC 2019, the remaining eight places will be determined by a process of regional and cross-regional qualifiers. The process will conclude with a four-team round-robin Final Qualification Tournament in November 2022 to determine the final qualifier.

The dates for events in 2021 will be announced in due course and will be subject to an anticipated easing of the COVID-19 situation.

The announcement follows consultation with unions and regions in January 2020 and a full review of performance at Rugby World Cup 2019, where rankings upsets and the impressive performances in particular of Japan, Fiji, Uruguay, Tonga and Georgia cut the performance gap, with the average winning margin between established and emerging unions decreasing in comparison with 2015 benchmarks.

The Americas will deliver two direct places, while Oceania will deliver a direct qualifier with a further direct place available following a play-off with Asia. The Rugby Europe Championship (two direct places), Rugby Africa Cup (one direct place) and Final Qualification Tournament (one direct place) will provide the other qualifiers. Further details are provided below.

RWC 2023 qualification principles

Americas: the Americas will qualify two teams by September 2022. The third best team in the region will enter the Final Qualification Tournament - Americas 1 & Americas 2
Europe: the existing Rugby Europe Championship will have two qualifying places, with the two best teams in March 2022 qualifying directly and the third placed entering the Final Qualification Tournament - Europe 1 & Europe 2
Africa: the Rugby Africa Cup 2022 winner will qualify directly and the runner-up team will go to Final Qualification - Africa 1
Oceania: a home and away play-off between Tonga and Samoa in 2021 will determine the direct qualifier for the Oceania region. - Oceania 1
The loser will then play the Oceania Rugby Cup 2021 winner in the highest ranked team's country with the eventual winner contesting Asia / Pacific (see below) as Oceania 2
Asia / Pacific: the winner of the Asian Rugby Men's Championship 2021 will play Oceania 2 home and away. The winner on aggregate will determine the qualifier and the loser will go to Final Qualification - Asia / Pacific 1
Final Qualification Tournament: the tournament in November 2022 will feature four teams playing in a round-robin format with the winner qualifying for RWC 2023 - Final Qualification winner

Teams already qualified: South Africa, England, New Zealand, Wales, Japan, France (host), Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Argentina, Fiji

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: "With the global pandemic having halted most rugby activity, confirmation of the global qualification process for Rugby World Cup 2023 provides a beacon of excitement for all, including players and fans.

"The process that has been developed via full consultation with our regional associations and member unions will provide a genuine opportunity for full member unions to qualify for our showcase men's 15s event.

"Maximising existing regional competitions, the process is good for regions and unions in managing costs for organisers and participants alike, which is important as we all recover from the global pandemic.

"On behalf of World Rugby, I'd like to wish all teams involved the best of luck on their journey to France 2023."

Rugby World Cup France 2023 CEO Claude Atcher added: "This qualification process gives emerging unions an opportunity to take part in our sport's biggest competition.

"The success of Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan and performances by the host nation is a testimony of rugby's expansion globally. As the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic is about to be won, I welcome this optimistic prospect of reconnecting with the excitement of our sport. This is the start of our journey towards France 2023, which will be the best tournament ever delivered."

Final details of the regional competition formats and dates will be announced in due course.

Editors'' Notes

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

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National pride significantly boosted by successful tournament
?4.3 billion generated in economic output
242,000 international visitors stayed an average of 17 days each in Japan, providing tourism and economic benefits to the host nation
46,000 jobs created or sustained for the tournament
Strong regional impact at the heart of nationwide benefits
Significant rugby and community sport''s infrastructure legacy, including Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium
Outcomes reinforce Japan''s stature as a major commercial rugby market
France preparing for nationwide celebration at Rugby World Cup 2023

Japan 2019 was the most economically successful Rugby World Cup ever, with nearly ?4.3 billion generated in economic output according to The economic impact of Rugby World Cup 2019 report published by EY today.

Rugby World Cup 2019 has been heralded as the best to date, delivering a unique experience for visiting fans, showcasing Japan's renowned culture and spirit of Omotenashi and significantly boosting national pride. Delivering unforgettable moments on and off the field, the tournament has been reinforced as one of the world''s most prestigious and exciting sports events.

The 44-day global celebration of rugby, hosted across 12 cities the length and breadth of Japan, captured the imagination of a nation and fans around the world. It was the most competitive, best attended, most viewed, most socially engaged and most commercially successful of the nine men's tournaments to date and the biggest sporting event of 2019.

Rugby World Cup 2019 was also one of the most economically successful events in Japanese sporting history, underscoring the nationwide approach to host Asia's first tournament.

The EY report, launched during a special webinar event in Tokyo today, outlines how Rugby World Cup 2019 generated ?4.3 billion in output and added ?2.3 billion to Japan's GDP. It attracted 242,000 international fans from 178 nations, who stayed an average of 17 days, visiting five cities on average. More than 60 per cent of fans were visiting the country for the first time, while their daily spend was 4.6 times higher than that spent by the average visitor to Japan in 2018.

Aside from a record economic impact footprint that reached from Sapporo in the north to Kumamoto in the south, the tournament also created or sustained 46,000 jobs and 13,000 volunteer roles, many of whom will be supporting Tokyo 2020.

The host's ticketing strategy also proved successful with a total of 1.83 million tickets sold. The 99 per cent attendance versus capacity rate across the 45 matches is the most successful in Rugby World Cup history and among the most successful major sports events of all time. It was the biggest single-sport event ever held in Japan. In addition, a record 1.13 million fans attended one or more of the 16 official fanzones despite two typhoons during the event.

Stadia packed with Japanese fans (more than 50 per cent attending a rugby match for the first time) combined with joyous overseas fans created a special atmosphere, The performance of Japan''s national team - the Brave Blossoms - in reaching the quarter-finals for the first time played a leading role in boosting national pride with 90 per cent of people in Japan believing that hosting captured the nation''s imagination, boosting pride, excitement and engagement.

A special, unforgettable, record-breaking tournament

Asia and Japan''s first Rugby World Cup
Unprecedented 44-day global shop window for Japan and rugby
Record nationwide economic impact beyond Tokyo
242,000 international visitors staying average of 17 days v 14 days for RWC 2015
60 per cent of fans visiting Japan for the first time
90 per cent of fans said they would return to Japan
80 per cent of fans said they had an exceptional experience
?4.3 billion total economic impact/?2.3 billion GDP increase
?2.3 billion spent in Japan by international visitors
?286 average spend per international visitor per night, almost double England 2015 (?4,574 total average v ?2,400)
RWC 2019 visiting fans spent 4.6 times more than the average visitor to Japan in 2018
46,340 jobs created or supported for the tournament
RWC 2019 visitors stayed 17 days, compared to 14 days average at RWC 2015
?2 million pledged for the Childfund Pass It Back programme, a partnership between Childfund, World Rugby, Asia Rugby and the JRFU [insert link]
2.25 million people introduced to rugby in Asia via the Impact Beyond programme (769,000 children involved in tag rugby in elementary schools in Japan)
Significant infrastructure legacy for rugby and community sport, including the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium

Download the report here >>

A separate Nielsen Sports DNA report conducted immediately after the tournament also demonstrates the significant pride and happiness benefits of hosting to the Japanese people:

78 per cent of the general public thought that Rugby World Cup hosting in a so-called "non-traditional" rugby market was positive for the future of the sport
46 per cent of the general public thought Rugby World Cup was the most exciting sporting event of 2019 (70 per cent in Japan), compared to 25 per cent who disagreed, demonstrating the value of hosting to international marketing and national pride
The level of Rugby World Cup interest almost doubled from 26 per cent in 2018 to 44 per cent in 2019, representing more than 50 million people
Nine out of 10 people in Japan believed that Rugby World Cup hosting captured the imagination, boosting national pride, excitement and engagement
Nine out of 10 people in Japan got behind the national team on their run to the quarter-finals, reflecting a 33 per cent increase in 'niwaka fans' or new fans during the tournament
83 per cent of people in Japan believe that hosting Rugby World Cup generated a positive legacy for rugby, delivering future major rugby event hosting opportunities for Japan
50 per cent of those in Japan who followed Rugby World Cup had become interested in the sport in the last year, highlighting the significant legacy opportunity for host nations
54 per cent of those in Japan who followed the tournament were doing so for the first time
74 per cent of Japanese who were aware of Rugby World Cup believe that the tournament will encourage more children to play the sport

Read the study here >>

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: "The outcomes of this comprehensive EY report reaffirm Japan 2019's status as one of the great Rugby World Cups on and off the field. It is also good news for France 2023 and interested nations and unions wishing to host in the future.

"It reflects Rugby World Cup's status as one of the best-loved and most prestigious major sports events to host, while highlighting the significant social and economic benefits that make the tournament such an attractive low-risk, high-return on investment hosting proposition for governments and unions alike."

With 769,000 children in Japan introduced to tag rugby in school because of the tournament and a strong performance by the national team, Japan Rugby Football Union President Shigetaka Mori says that Rugby World Cup 2019 will continue to be a catalyst for rugby participation, popularity and profile in Japan.

"I would like to express my most sincere appreciation to everyone involved in the success of Rugby World Cup 2019", he said.

"I am forever grateful that Rugby World Cup was held in Japan, resulting in the increasing popularity of the game and more people than ever becoming familiar with the beauty of our beloved sport. With enthusiastic cheers from all over Japan, the Japan national team made history by powering their way to the quarter-finals, the highest Rugby World Cup finish they have ever achieved.

"We are determined to make sure that the valuable legacy left by this immeasurably successful tournament will live on, and we will continue to strive to make rugby a well-loved national sport in our country. If the opportunity arose again, we would be eager to demonstrate our intention to bid for future Rugby World Cups and make the Japan national team the world's best team."

Rugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee CEO Akira Shimazu said he was proud of how Japan embraced the tournament, delivered the spectacle and welcomed international visitors: "Rugby World Cup 2019 was an unforgettable event which will be fondly remembered by everyone for years to come.

"The excitement around the stadiums and official fanzones in each host city was incredible, and what we achieved was in no small part thanks to all 19 local governments of the 12 match venues that embodied the sense of responsibility and pride that was crucial to this tournament's success.

"Once again, I would like to extend my respect and gratitude to all those involved who contributed to the success of Rugby World Cup 2019, including the 13,000 volunteers whose efforts will never be forgotten.

"We hope that the hosting of this tournament will help to enrich sports culture in Japan and will lead to the further global development of rugby starting from the community level."

Editors'' Notes

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

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Joe Schmidt, Ian Foster, Richie Gray, Russell Earnshaw, Wayne Barnes, Jaco Peyper, Josh Beaumont and Victor Vito among specialist advisors
Resource set to benefit everyone in the game and aims to achieve a consistent approach
Rugby returns on Saturday with New Zealand''s Super Rugby Aotearoa
Competition will be first to implement new breakdown application guideline

World Rugby has collaborated with some of the biggest names in international rugby to launch an educational resource to support the practical implementation of the breakdown law application guideline announced in April.

With the objective of making the one of the game''s most dynamic and difficult facets simpler to play, coach and officiate, the resource has been developed with the input of leading coaches Joe Schmidt, Ian Foster, Richie Gray and Russell Earnshaw, International Rugby Players representatives Josh Beaumont and Victor Vito and international referees Wayne Barnes and Jaco Peyper. ?

Available via https://laws.worldrugby.org/en/guidelines/15/detail, the resource provides step-by-step guidance for one of the most dynamic and complex areas of the game outlining guidance for the tackler, the ball carrier, the first arriving player (jackler), other arriving players and dealing with foul play.

Watch the video here >>

The key focus areas are:

Tacklers: Expected to release the ball carrier and roll away immediately in the direction of the touchline
Ball carriers: Allowed one dynamic movement after being tackled with an onus on presenting or releasing the ball more quickly
Stand-up tackle: Ball carrier will be given time to get to ground. A tackle will be called when the ball carrier clearly gets a knee to the ground. A maul will be called when defenders stop the momentum of the ball carrier and successfully hold him/her up. Maul side entry and collapse will be strictly refereed
Jackler: First arriving player must enter legally, be on their feet and on the ball, with an attempt to lift it. Likely to be rewarded more quickly
Other arriving players: Side entry will be refereed. ''L'' angle entry (see guidance) expectation with players required to ''drive not dive''
Foul play: Will continue to be a priority in the interests of player safety

All unions have received the guidance and New Zealand's Super Rugby Aotearoa, which kicks off on Saturday, will be the first competition to implement the World Rugby law application guideline.

Resource co-author, breakdown specialist and former Scotland and South Africa coach Richie Gray said: "This resource has been developed by those who are involved in the game on a daily basis. It is designed to assist coaches, players and referees with alignment that the breakdown is coached in the spirit of the laws, is played in a positive and accurate manner, and refereed consistently across competitions and at all levels.

"As I coach, I believe that we have to invest the time to coach the breakdown better. In turn, this should make it easier for the referee who has to make split-second decisions.

"This project has been a real team effort across the coaching, playing and refereeing fraternity to achieve clarity on what we expect from the ball carrier, the first arriving player (or jackler), the angle of entry for other arriving players and so on in order that we build a consistent picture for referees on the field and for coaches to coach their players effectively."

International referee and co-author Wayne Barnes added: "We are not changing the laws of the game, but we are aligned in our mission to stricter enforcement of key areas to create faster, attacking ball and a fairer contest.

"This has been a cross-discipline effort with coaches, players, referees and medics - a very positive process."

International Rugby Players representative and England international Josh Beaumont added: "There are so many different moving parts at the breakdown. When we were discussing the area with the players, it was very apparent that it was not a law issue, but an issue of alignment and clarity for players and coaches.

"This educational resource will play a strong role in aligning the officiating approach, aligning coaches and players in the approach to the breakdown both in terms of player welfare and reducing penalties, but I also believe that it will improve the overall quality of the product for everyone."

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont concluded: "The breakdown is the most dynamic facet of the game and was increasingly difficult for a player, coach and match official, while being responsible for nine per cent of match injuries at the elite level.

"We therefore set out to identify ways to reduce the risk of injury, while promoting a fair contest for the ball and enhancing the experience for all. As announced in April the specialist Law Review Group felt that the most practical approach was to reinforce existing law, rather than law change.

"The educational guidance is an exceptional piece of work. I would like to thank all involved and look forward to seeing it in action in the Super Rugby Aotearoa in New Zealand this weekend."

World Rugby is educating its international referee panel on the change in emphasis and collaborating with international teams and unions to ensure alignment and understanding.

Editors'' Notes

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

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World Rugby has today launched an independent-led governance review, chaired by Sir Hugh Robertson KCMG PC DL.

The comprehensive process aims to build on the strong foundations of the 2015 review, which delivered transformational wider union representation and gender inclusion on the international federation's supreme decision-making body, the Council.

It has the core objective of enhancing the effectiveness and agility of World Rugby's governance structures, ensuring they further reflect the universality and diversity of rugby and society, and support the best possible decision-making process for the global game.

British Olympic Committee Chairman and former UK Olympics Minister, Sir Hugh Robertson will chair a diverse and game-wide representative Working Group comprising of independent experts, players and representatives from emerging and established rugby nations, with a broad range of experience and expertise.??

The Group will review and analyse the effectiveness of the present governance model and undertake a consultation process in line with the terms of reference approved by the World Rugby Council and Executive Committee (EXCO). Key focus areas include:

Gender balance and diversity on World Rugby Boards and Committees
Player representation within World Rugby's governance structures
Committee structure and reporting flows for effectiveness?
Suitability, definition and naming of emerging nations/established nations groups
The format and frequency of Council Meetings to best serve the global game
The criteria for appointment of Council members and the fit and proper person test for elected members

It will also identify best-practice governance models and lessons which World Rugby can apply, and analyse any required reforms, making recommendations for consideration by EXCO and Council.

World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont said: "In our manifesto, Bernard Laporte and I made a promise to undertake a governance review to ensure World Rugby is agile in its thinking and decision-making and our structures further reflect the diversity and values of our game.

"This is more important now than ever, and I would like to thank Sir Hugh Robertson for agreeing to lead this process as well as the experienced, independent experts who will be part of this Working Group. As our game continues to grow and we welcome new playing nations, it is imperative our structures and leadership reflect our ambitions and the universality of the game."

Working Group Chair Sir Hugh Robertson added: "I am looking forward to working with this talented team from around the globe to conduct a comprehensive review and identify best practice. Rugby is a thriving global sport, with a spirit of inclusivity, unity and diversity, and I am committed to ensuring that this is reflected in the review process and any recommendations made by the Working Group."

The Working Group consists of: independent members (Sir Hugh Robertson, Sir Peter Cosgrove and Angela Ruggiero), northern unions (Bernard Laporte - FFR President and Martyn Philips - WRU CEO), southern unions (Mark Alexander - SARU President and Marcelo Rodriguez - UAR President), regions (Cristina Flores - Rugby Americas North and Cathy Wong - Oceania Rugby), emerging nations (Alin Petrache - FRR President), player representatives (Omar Hassanein - IRP CEO and Safi N'Diaye - France international) and World Rugby (Sir Bill Beaumont - Chairman and Brett Gosper - Chief Executive).

Since 2015 World Rugby has undertaken wide-ranging reform of its governance structures, creating a dynamic, diverse environment with wider union and regional representation and independent skills-based voices on its decision-making bodies. The World Rugby Council has expanded by more than a third with the inclusion of USA, Georgia, Samoa, Fiji and Uruguay and women currently account for a third of the 52 members.

It is anticipated that the review findings will be presented to the World Rugby Council later this year.

Suporting notes for editors

World Rugby has been placed in the top group in the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations' (ASOIF) third International Federation Governance report published in June 2020. Of 33 International Federations assessed by the ASOIF Governance Taskforce only six sit within this group.

Sir Hugh Robertson is the Chairman of the British Olympic Association, having also been Vice-Chairman during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games when Team GB won a record medal haul. Previously, he was the Minister for Sport and the Olympics, responsible for the delivery of London 2012, an event widely regarded as the finest Olympic and Paralympic Games of recent times.

General Sir Peter Cosgrove is the recently retired Governor-General of Australia, holding the position since 2014. Sir Peter Cosgrove has until recently served as a Board Member and Patron of Australian Rugby and has been a passionate servant of the game for most of his life.

Angela Ruggiero is an American former ice hockey player, gold medallist, and four-time Olympian. She was a member of the International Olympic Committee from 2010-18 and served as a member of the Executive Board of the IOC after being elected the Chairperson of the IOC Athletes'' Commission, the body that represents all Olympic athletes worldwide, a post which she held from 2016-18. Angela is an independent member of World Rugby''s Executive Committee.

Governance reform timeline
January 2020: Sir Bill Beaumount pledges a full governanc review as a manifesto priority when confirming he will stand for re-election.

November 2017: World Rugby underscored commitment to furthering gender equality at all levels of the organisation by announcing sweeping reform of its Council https://www.world.rugby/news/296055?lang=en

October 2015: World Rugby Council approves wide-ranging reform of its governance structures, creating a dynamic environment for wider union and regional representation and an independent skills-based voice on the international federation''s decision-making bodies https://www.world.rugby/news/122987?lang=en

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

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Dear members of the media,

We are excited to launch the revamped World Rugby Media Zone, the destination for all World Rugby related news and media content including press releases, video news releases, statistics, photographs, commentary notes and much more.

We will be operating a transition from our current distribution service to the Media Zone within the next couple of weeks and, from 31 July, it is intended that all our communications will be distributed via the new portal.

Using the same process as Rugby World Cup 2019, please register using the link below. You will then receive a confirmation email within 48 hours with a link to access the portal. Please remember to check you "junk" mail box.

Editors'' Notes

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

.emailview .emailview

Editors'' Notes

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

.emailview .emailview

World Rugby welcomes commitment between the game''s major stakeholders for further dialogue regarding potential adjustments to the global international calendar.

Whilst not a decision-making forum, today's World Rugby Professional Game Forum provided the platform for national unions, international and professional club competitions and players to exchange frank views and consider immediate and long-term calendar reform in line with the guiding core principles of recognising the needs of the international and domestic game and enhancing player welfare.

With the global COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacting the 2020 rugby calendar and union and club finances, all parties recognise the need to agree a compromise solution that enables both disrupted professional club and international competitions to be completed this year.

In the absence of full alignment, further information sharing and discussion will be undertaken with all parties regarding the viability of proposed adjustments to the 2020 international release weekends stipulated in Regulation 9 that will enable postponed and other international matches to be played in an adjusted window from October, while enabling the completion of existing club competitions. The final decision on 2020 will be confirmed by vote of the World Rugby Council on 30 June following consideration and recommendation by the World Rugby Executive Committee.

There was also commitment to further detailed commercial and player welfare modelling in full collaboration with the club game to better assess the viability and attractiveness, for all parties, of a potential new ongoing global release period of October/November from 2021, replacing the July window.

All stakeholders believe that meaningful reform of the international calendar is necessary in a much-changed post COVID-19 environment to revitalise the global game and deliver much-needed alignment between international and club rugby with fewer overlaps and enhanced player rest periods.

Crucially, if managed appropriately, the proposed long-term calendar reform will enable meaningful pathways for emerging nations on a global and regional scale and the development of a global international women's competition model with defined windows that do not overlap with the men's competitions.

World Rugby Professional Game Forum attendees: World Rugby, The Six Nations, SANZAAR, International Rugby Players, British and Irish Lions, EPCR, PRO 14, LNR, PRL, Top League and Professional Game Committee unions: Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji, France, Japan, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa and Wales.

Editors'' Notes

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

.emailview .emailview

The World Rugby Executive Committee has today recommended a revised temporary 2020 international calendar with the express objective of optimising recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for the betterment of the global game at all levels.

Seeking to reconcile the interests of the international game, the professional club game and player welfare, temporary windows have been determined following extensive and productive consultation between World Rugby, international competitions, national unions, their professional club competitions and International Rugby Players.

Recognising the importance of a balanced and shared compromise among all stakeholders, a temporary international window between 24 October and 5 December has been recommended. In the north, this window will accommodate the postponed men''s and women''s Six Nations matches at the end of October, a rest weekend on 7 November and a programme of international matches involving the Six Nations and invited teams hosted in Europe from 14 November through to 5 December.

With COVID-19 restrictions continuing to impact international travel and borders across southern hemisphere unions, on an exceptional basis The Rugby Championship 2020 will be hosted in full in a single country over a reduced six-week between 7 November and 12 December. Special measures will be implemented to deal with any government-required quarantine period prior to the start of the competition.

The rescheduling of the domestic, European and international calendars will accommodate the ability for the professional clubs to have access to their star southern hemisphere international players for the completion of the postponed and rescheduled 2019/20 seasons at a time in which they would have ordinarily been on international duty in August and September.

The recommendation to temporarily change the Regulation 9 windows will be tabled at a virtual meeting of the World Rugby Council on 30 July. Subject to approval, the full schedule of matches will be announced by the respective union and international competition owners in due course. The current Regulation 9 windows will return to normal after 13 December.

All parties remain committed to continued dialogue regarding long-term men's and women's calendar reform that harmonises the international and club environments for the betterment of all.

Editors'' Notes

Introducing World Rugby Media Zone: we are currently operating a transition from our current distribution service to the World Rugby Media Zone, the destination for all World Rugby related news and media content. From 31 July, all World Rugby communications will be distributed via the new portal. Please login or register at www.world.rugby/media-zone

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

.emailview .emailview

Editors'' Notes

About World Rugby: World Rugby is committed to the global advancement of rugby and its character-building values to build a better, stronger game for all. The global rugby community comprises 9.6 million players and 338 million fans affiliated via 127 national member unions in six regions and driven by the commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World Rugby is planning to invest GBP ?620 million at all levels of the game between 2020 and 2023, eclipsing the previous four-year cycle by 28 per cent, to ensure strong and sustainable growth. www.world.rugby.

.emailview .emailview

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