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I’m always a glass-half-full person when it comes to innovation in sport and, although we still need a few more details to flesh things out, I’m genuinely enthusiastic about the potential of a World 12s tournament.
I do have a couple of caveats, which we will come to, but the basic concept already ticks a lot of boxes for me.
First, it pains me to say it but — apart from a blistering end to the Premiership season — much of our elite rugby recently has been dull, unambitious and a big turn-off for the uncommitted. That has to change.
A World 12s rugby tournament would be the perfect showcase for the likes of Cheslin Kolbe
So I feel this is a genuine attempt to meet that concern and an obvious ‘deficit’ in our game and the rugby market.
For me, there is room for a short, sharp annual three-week bonanza where entertainment and exciting skills are pre-eminent. I want to see the likes of Cheslin Kolbe playing with the handbrake off.
I am a big fan of sevens — I loved playing it and encouraged England to use it for player development when I coached the national team — but there is now a massive disconnect between sevens and the 15-a-side version. They are different games and there is very little cross-over between the personnel.
However, with a World 12s — six backs and six forwards — I feel the connection of the two would be much closer. A top 15s player would be able
