A Close Look

The Six Nations took the next step toward World Rugby’s proposed Nations League by "agreeing to due diligence." The unions will be given access to "commercially sensitive documents to establish the viability of the plan," which the organizers say will be worth $6.5B over 12 years. The major southern hemisphere unions had already agreed and a decision on the league, which would start from '22, is expected on May 22. France supports the plan but the other five unions have "expressed reservations," not least over the introduction of relegation to the Six Nations (London GUARDIAN, 4/17). The Six Nations have "viable alternatives" as private equity firms look to invest in Europe's int'l rugby showpiece (STUFF, 4/18).