The formation of an Apex Council, "stringent rules on conflict of interest" and the formation of a players' association are part of the new BCCI constitution that was registered on Tuesday with the Registrar of Societies of Tamil Nadu in Chennai. This "sets the ball rolling for the state associations to adopt the new constitution in the next four weeks" and then "prepare for the elusive elections." The new Memorandum of Association is the result of a Supreme Court order delivered on Aug. 9 (HINDUSTAN TIMES, 8/22).
Danny Cipriani will face an independent disciplinary panel on Wednesday, "despite the Rugby Players' Association criticizing the Rugby Football Union for pressing additional charges." The RPA believes Cipriani was "appropriately" punished by the courts and his new club, Premiership Rugby side Gloucester, following his conviction for common assault and resisting arrest in Jersey last week. On Tuesday, the RPA issued a statement suggesting the sanction Cipriani received from the club on Monday "should close the matter" (London TELEGRAPH, 8/21).
Ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup, Japan's Top League is "hoping to help develop players and draw attention to the domestic game" during the '18-19 season. To allocate more time for Super Rugby side Sunwolves as well as the national team, "the regular season will be shortened" to seven matches from Aug. 31-Oct. 20. The teams will then play in placement and playoff tournaments in December. The league will also hold a cup tournament this year, "with the intention of giving opportunities to younger players" (JAPAN TIMES, 8/20).
Northamptonshire County councilors spent public money on a hospitality box and hiring a plane as NEA Properties, which was owned by Northamptonshire County Council and whose directors were councilors, headed toward "financial crisis," an investigation found. NEA Properties, which bought the box at Premiership Rugby side Northampton Saints, "was dissolved a month before the council banned spending" (BBC, 8/20).
