No “Coronavirus Cup of World Rugby” next year - World Rugby

World Rugby will not be pursing the proposed Rugby World Cup tournament that was proposed by the former CEO of the Rugby Football Union Francis Baron.

The former CEO had proposed a tournament which will be known as the “Coronavirus Cup of World Rugby” that could raise to $500 million which can ease the financial crisis of Unions due to COVID-19.

Baron says the tournament will be staged over six weeks from June and July with 16 invited teams to play 31 matches.

World Rugby says they note that Baron has proposed to them this tournament suggesting that if a major international rugby tournament is organised in the UK next year, they will have the finance to help alleviate the impact of COVID-19 on global rugby.

They say that they are not going to pursue this proposal as World will continue their discussions with all stakeholders regarding the immediate global COVID-19 financial relief strategy and international rugby calendar optimization, both of which will further the success of Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.