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Unfortunate Truth: November 4 Outside International Test Window

And while many, many fans would pay heavily to witness an ENGvNZL match, with November 4 outside International Test window dates, fans will simply have to wait. The ongoing negotiations and highly desired fixture will simply have to take place on another date--and it certainly must take place.
Barbarians v South Africa - Killik Cup

From Last Word on Rugby, Scott Hornell

The unfortunate truth is, with November 4 outside International Test window status, any proposed England v New Zealand Test match will [most likely] not occur.

Across numerous news reports over the course of the last two weeks, many have built-up anticipation of a possible clash between the two top ranked International rugby sides. However, the original scheduled match has seemed to have taken a backseat, and that is a disappointment. The Barbarians fixture had all the elements to make it a wonderful occasion. By all outward appearances, it might have been acquiesced by interested parties.

Yet the practicalities all but preclude any International date in early November as being impracticable. That is because the World Rugby International Test window will not start in November 2017 until (at earliest) the November 10.

Note: see lower down the page for new World Rugby global calendar announcements.

November 4 Outside International Test Window

With all the recent supposition on which each side is seeking; or what barriers are halting the fixture, with the public interest seeming having overtaken reality. And as it stands, nothing has changed.

November 4, early in the end-of-year tour fixtures, is not an official date on the agreed World Rugby calendar. So any talk is only considering the reports. So, what do we know:

  • the Barbarians Rugby Club planned to reserve a date for Saturday November 4, the begin celebrations for the 125th Anniversary of the revered rugby football club
  • initially scheduled to be versus Australia, that was changed to be New Zealand in the middle of December
  • any income from the fixture would be shared between the host [Barbarians] and New Zealand–rumoured to be up to $4.5 million NZ dollars

Unfortunately; for the hosting side and for the visiting team too, the celebrations have now been pushed aside as the battle for the world number one ranking looked to be preferred by stadium rights holders, the Rugby Football Union (RFU)

RFU Make Approaches to NZ Rugby

So knowing that the Barbarians had booked the venue, the Daily Mail newspaper last week revealed England’s governing body was desperately trying to convince the All Blacks to agree to a fixture at Twickenham instead.

This seems to have come about because the original request involved Australia. When the match promoter could not secure the Wallabies, NZ Rugby were approached. In a way, with the long history of classic BARvNZL matches, it seemed to be the most logical fit for a Killik Cup match.

News of that match was reported widely in December, so for the RFU’s official line to now be that ‘they only became aware of the proposed Barbarians v All Blacks game last week’ sounds preposterous. It it has upset the Baabaa’s club.  The timing of those statements clash with the Baabaa’s information.

RFU Chief Executive Ian Ritchie talks during the RFU Women’s Rugby Unveiling at Twickenham Stadium on October 5, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield – RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

But also, the timing was always outside the International Test window. Why the RFU have been interested in any New Zealand match, seems absurd. It is also contrary to all with Aviva Premiership clubs–so why Ian Ritchie (above picture) might have believed that an International Test match was a better fixture than the Baabaa’s, is anyone’s guess.

The Best Outcome is for the Barbarians Matches to Stand

While Barbarians President John Spencer may not have made a public statement, the club–who are a charitable trust–will feel the matter has sullied a time of celebration. The long established club have a reach within the game that is well respected. The anniversary would have always been the club’s foremost planning.

Many matches will be played, including the Ulster Rugby match at Kingspan Stadium, an especially seminal match-up. It will celebrate a 60 year history of matches between the two clubs.

England have an early scheduled fixture to face the BaaBaa’s on May 28. That match was planned in advance, and while the recent news and apparent conflict might be resolved, it is less than savoury. Most rugby fans will hope that the recent discussions and claims die down, and that no long term damage to the relationship is formed.

England v New Zealand a Dream Match–but Barbarians Should be Respected

And while many, many fans would pay heavily to witness an ENGvNZL match, with November 4 outside International Test window dates, fans will simply have to wait. When England announced their November itinerary, it did not include New Zealand. The ongoing negotiations show that such a highly desired fixture is something England would like to happen. Sadly, it seems more apparent now it will simply have to take place on another date–and it certainly must take place.

The two top ranked will ultimately meet, but importantly, the Barbarians fixture is respected as a stand-alone celebration of the 125 years that the Baabaa’s have entertained and supported the development of the game worldwide.

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World Rugby Announce Global Calendar Dates 2020-2032

Bill Beaumont (see below) and the executive members of the World Rugby governing body, have reached agreement on future dates for the International calendar.

Beaumont said: “Agreement on an optimized global calendar that provides certainty and sustainability over the decade beyond Rugby World Cup 2019, represents an historic milestone for the global game.”

Several key points have been agreed to (and are to be ratified in Kyoto, Japan to consider amendments to International player release in the revised window (July/November)

  • New July window boosts season harmony
  • Increased opportunity for emerging nations and greater schedule equity
  • Optimized windows will aid the development of the club game
  • IRPA fully consulted to ensure player needs were prioritized within the schedule

Read the full media release here.

New LWOR Poll Question:

Who should captain the British and Irish Lions on their tour to New Zealand? in LastWordOnSports’s Hangs on LockerDome

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