Andy Marinos - "Rugby's global calendar will happen"

[Carter's Choice]

I thought this idea was dead, buried and cremated, but the SANZAAR boss seems more certain than ever that it is going to happen. He's either a deluded old South African fool or the current negotiations are going more successfully than they were previously.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all ... ill-happen

Sanzaar boss Andy Marinos says global calendar 'will happen'
13:42, Aug 26 2020

The much-talked-about global rugby season is moving closer while Sanzaar has finally conceded that a cross-border Super Rugby competition is dead in 2021, says the organisation’s chief executive Andy Marinos.

In a Q and A interview with SA Rugby Mag, Marinos revealed he was “working closely with my counterpart at the Six Nations and some of the northern hemisphere unions” on the global calendar, and was “optimistic” about getting it across the line.

“The big drivers behind it are to make sure we can manage the player welfare a lot better and get a much better narrative around the international programme so we have games that have meaning,” Marinos said. “At the moment we have a series of games in July and November that are just a set of friendlies.”

There have been reports in Britain suggesting the Rugby Championship and the Six Nations could both be moved to March-April, as part of a new calendar that would have the July test window shifted to October.

That would upend the current southern hemisphere season, although it is likely to be just one of a number of ideas put forward.

‘I think it [a global season] will happen,” Marinos said. “I am particularly close to it at the moment, being on a number of working parties around it.

“We have put forward a few proposals.

”... I remain optimistic that in the not-too-distant future we will be moving into a more globally aligned season where there are clearly defined windows for international and domestic rugby.”

[OomStruisbaai]

Corvid-19 has fast track this.


Will be awesome if rugby can generate a global season.

[Carter's Choice]

So if I am inferring this correctly, there would be two test match windows instead of the current 3? The 6N/Rugby Championship window, and the presumably another single window to replace the current two windows in June/July and Nov/Dec?

[Lemoentjie]

I agree with him. I used to disagree, but COVID-19 has changed everything. It's inevitable.

[sockwithaticket]

I'd be pretty happy for the 6 Nations to shift back that small amount. I know January is a shit month and everyone loves having it to look forward to in February, but those early rounds are all too often ruined by horrible winter weather. While that's also possible in March and April, we're more likely to have decent or even good weather and our (NH) showpiece tournament deserves the opportunity to be played in the best conditions possible to encourage better rugby when there are so many eyeballs on the sport. I also think we should re-structure it so that we have 2 game weeks, 1 rest, 2 game weeks, 1 rest and a super Saturday to conclude whereas we currently have it as 2 - rest - 1 - rest - 2 and the final weekend is bog standard with 2 games on Saturday and one on Sunday. The middle section sucks the momentum out of the tournament just as it's getting going imo.

[mat the expat]

Andy Marinos - the shit Midas

[Carter's Choice]

I'd be pretty happy for the 6 Nations to shift back that small amount. I know January is a shit month and everyone loves having it to look forward to in February, but those early rounds are all too often ruined by horrible winter weather. While that's also possible in March and April, we're more likely to have decent or even good weather and our (NH) showpiece tournament deserves the opportunity to be played in the best conditions possible to encourage better rugby when there are so many eyeballs on the sport. I also think we should re-structure it so that we have 2 game weeks, 1 rest, 2 game weeks, 1 rest and a super Saturday to conclude whereas we currently have it as 2 - rest - 1 - rest - 2 and the final weekend is bog standard with 2 games on Saturday and one on Sunday. The middle section sucks the momentum out of the tournament just as it's getting going imo.

To be honest a two test window season makes sense. No more June tours and then reciprocated Nov/Dec tours. Align the RC and 6N, and then play tests at the same time later in the year. The rest of the time players can either be resting or playing club/franchise Rugby.

[Carter's Choice]

Andy Marinos - the shit Midas

He is a shithead. We've seen his style of negotiating for many years here in the SH. Every time the SANZAR TV rights came up for renegotiation he'd threaten to move South Africa to the NH and dishonestly boast that the Springboks had already been accepted into the 6 Nations with a equal revenue sharing arrangement. Broadcasters would take advantage of a fractured, divided SANZAR and we'd lose 20% of our TV rights because of the SARU's threats. Every four years, rinse and repeat.

[sockwithaticket]

Would we alternate going North and South for the second window? I can't see anyone particularly happy about only travelling to the UK to play internationals or vice versa.

[frodder]

Andy Marinos - the shit Midas

He is a shithead. We've seen his style of negotiating for many years here in the SH. Every time the SANZAR TV rights came up for renegotiation he'd threaten to move South Africa to the NH and dishonestly boast that the Springboks had already been accepted into the 6 Nations with a equal revenue sharing arrangement. Broadcasters would take advantage of a fractured, divided SANZAR and we'd lose 20% of our TV rights because of the SARU's threats. Every four years, rinse and repeat.

He was a shite player as well

[OomStruisbaai]

We, ll play WC in the global test rugby window. Two leagues, promotion relegation.

[Carter's Choice]

Would we alternate going North and South for the second window? I can't see anyone particularly happy about only travelling to the UK to play internationals or vice versa.

It could be a four week window, with teams playing a two matches up north and two in the SH, or teams could alternative? One year the AB's tour the NH and the next they host touring parties. If it was co-ordinated, then the Springboks and Wallabies could tour the NH and play France, Ireland and Scotland whilst at the same time England, Italy and Wales could tour the SH and play NZ and Arg and a PI team?

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

I imagine the debate going something like this:

SH nations: Looks an interesting proposal, this is worth investigating further for the good of the game.

NH nations: LIKE FUCKING HELL! THE 6N IS THE BEST COMP IN THE WORLD! WE AINT MOVING SHIT!

[Carter's Choice]

I imagine the debate going something like this:

SH nations: looks interesting, worth investigating further.

NH nations: LIKE FUCKING HELL! THE 6N IS THE BEST COMP IN THE WORLD! WE AINT MOVING SHIT!

The NH nations needed to be dragged kicking and screaming to play in the RWC. The promised it would the death of Rugby. They needed to be dragged kicking and screaming into professionalism. So of course this change will be resisted at every stage by the NH, who never change anything until they do.

[sockwithaticket]

Would we alternate going North and South for the second window? I can't see anyone particularly happy about only travelling to the UK to play internationals or vice versa.

It could be a four week window, with teams playing a two matches up north and two in the SH, or teams could alternative? One year the AB's tour the NH and the next they host touring parties. If it was co-ordinated, then the Springboks and Wallabies could tour the NH and play France, Ireland and Scotland whilst at the same time England, Italy and Wales could tour the SH and play NZ and Arg and a PI team?

Yeah that could work. The whole thing will spin on whether the Unions lose any significant amount of revenue by changing.

Unions up here would have to lose the games they've recently been shoe-horning into the Summer ahead of the official window, but meh. It's not like those were filling stadiums or featuring anything resembling full strength teams.

[Sandstorm]

Would we alternate going North and South for the second window? I can't see anyone particularly happy about only travelling to the UK to play internationals or vice versa.

It could be a four week window, with teams playing a two matches up north and two in the SH, or teams could alternative? One year the AB's tour the NH and the next they host touring parties. If it was co-ordinated, then the Springboks and Wallabies could tour the NH and play France, Ireland and Scotland whilst at the same time England, Italy and Wales could tour the SH and play NZ and Arg and a PI team?

Yeah that could work.

I like that option too AC/CC.

[Kawazaki]

I like the way the article refers to the southern hemisphere season being upended if they change their 20-year old schedule to better coincide with the one that has existed in the northern hemisphere since 1883.

[eldanielfire]

Corvid-19 has fast track this.


Will be awesome if rugby can generate a global season.

Funny everyone who says a global calendar will be good never explains why in any convincing way.

[eldanielfire]

I imagine the debate going something like this:

SH nations: looks interesting, worth investigating further.

NH nations: LIKE FUCKING HELL! THE 6N IS THE BEST COMP IN THE WORLD! WE AINT MOVING SHIT!

The NH nations needed to be dragged kicking and screaming to play in the RWC. The promised it would the death of Rugby. They needed to be dragged kicking and screaming into professionalism. So of course this change will be resisted at every stage by the NH, who never change anything until they do.

The NH was adding new teams to their tournament long before the SH did.

As stated part of the issue is the 6N generates revenue. It has the good fortune to have a particular window where this works. A clash with football internationals or the business end of the club season will well sink Rugby somewhat. Why on earth people thinks a proposal that will make Rugby more unpopular and less financially viable is a good idea?

[eldanielfire]

I like the way the article refers to the southern hemisphere season being upended if they change their 20-year old schedule to better coincide with the one that has existed in the northern hemisphere since 1883.

That would make more sense.

[OomStruisbaai]

Corvid-19 has fast track this.


Will be awesome if rugby can generate a global season.

Funny everyone who says a global calendar will be good never explains why in any convincing way.

Do you understand Afrikaans?

[Carter's Choice]

The NH was adding new teams to their tournament long before the SH did.

As stated part of the issue is the 6N generates revenue. It has the good fortune to have a particular window where this works. A clash with football internationals or the business end of the club season will well sink Rugby somewhat. Why on earth people thinks a proposal that will make Rugby more unpopular and less financially viable is a good idea?

Hey don't shoot the messenger. Clearly someone thinks the global season is a good idea because it's an idea that doesn't seem to go away. We get that the NH is wealthy and that you have more money than you can ever spend, but unless Andy Marinos is negotiating with himself then someone from the NH game must be involved in discussing the global season. We get you guys hate change; you cried about the RWC and you cried about professionalism. The NH said both these things would destroy the game.

[Gav]

As soon as the SH bends over

[Carter's Choice]

As soon as the SH bends over

You already take all our coaches and fill your club and test team squads with our leftovers and never-will-be's, what else do you want?

[Jb1981]

As soon as the SH bends over

You already take all our coaches and fill your club and test team squads with our leftovers and never-will-be's, what else do you want?

Respect? The one thing money can’t buy.

[Caley_Red]

I think it would seriously help participation numbers in Scotland if the season could be run encompassing a larger proportion of the summer months.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

As soon as the SH bends over

You already take all our coaches and fill your club and test team squads with our leftovers and never-will-be's, what else do you want?

Respect? The one thing money can’t buy.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

I think it would seriously help participation numbers in Scotland if the season could be run encompassing a larger proportion of the summer months.

Harden up, Scotland.

Edit: Although, given that would work in favour of the global season, nice one Scotland!

[The Druid]

Eight Welsh rugby caps

[sturginho]

The NH was adding new teams to their tournament long before the SH did.

As stated part of the issue is the 6N generates revenue. It has the good fortune to have a particular window where this works. A clash with football internationals or the business end of the club season will well sink Rugby somewhat. Why on earth people thinks a proposal that will make Rugby more unpopular and less financially viable is a good idea?

Hey don't shoot the messenger. Clearly someone thinks the global season is a good idea because it's an idea that doesn't seem to go away. We get that the NH is wealthy and that you have more money than you can ever spend, but unless Andy Marinos is negotiating with himself then someone from the NH game must be involved in discussing the global season. We get you guys hate change; you cried about the RWC and you cried about professionalism. The NH said both these things would destroy the game.

And yet nobody has been able to articulate why

[Kawazaki]

The NH was adding new teams to their tournament long before the SH did.

As stated part of the issue is the 6N generates revenue. It has the good fortune to have a particular window where this works. A clash with football internationals or the business end of the club season will well sink Rugby somewhat. Why on earth people thinks a proposal that will make Rugby more unpopular and less financially viable is a good idea?

Hey don't shoot the messenger. Clearly someone thinks the global season is a good idea because it's an idea that doesn't seem to go away. We get that the NH is wealthy and that you have more money than you can ever spend, but unless Andy Marinos is negotiating with himself then someone from the NH game must be involved in discussing the global season. We get you guys hate change; you cried about the RWC and you cried about professionalism. The NH said both these things would destroy the game.

And yet nobody has been able to articulate why

I think if they can synchronise the seasons then the biggest benefit will be that the players in both hemispheres will be on similar playing and fitness cycles when the test windows come around. At the moment, the NH players are shattered when they tour in June/July.

[Caley_Red]

I think it would seriously help participation numbers in Scotland if the season could be run encompassing a larger proportion of the summer months.

Harden up, Scotland.

Edit: Although, given that would work in favour of the global season, nice one Scotland!

You haven't lived until you've had your face cut open from frozen mud and grass or can't face the 10 because the hale and sleet is blowing in the same direction as the play. Truly awful stuff

[Guy Smiley]

I think it would seriously help participation numbers in Scotland if the season could be run encompassing a larger proportion of the summer months.

Harden up, Scotland.

Edit: Although, given that would work in favour of the global season, nice one Scotland!

You haven't lived until you've had your face cut open from frozen mud and grass or can't face the 10 because the hale and sleet is blowing in the same direction as the play. Truly awful stuff

Yes... we’re from the South Island of NZ.

[Macropal]

Harden up, Scotland.

Edit: Although, given that would work in favour of the global season, nice one Scotland!

You haven't lived until you've had your face cut open from frozen mud and grass or can't face the 10 because the hale and sleet is blowing in the same direction as the play. Truly awful stuff

Yes... we’re from the South Island of NZ.

That was a typical Saturday morning in Te Anau, my hands are still blue, don't think they'll ever recover

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

You haven't lived until you've had your face cut open from frozen mud and grass or can't face the 10 because the hale and sleet is blowing in the same direction as the play. Truly awful stuff

Yes... we’re from the South Island of NZ.

That was a typical Saturday morning in Te Anau, my hands are still blue, don't think they'll ever recover

Yes the ground was often as hard as concrete at the Ashburton Showgrounds following a frost, even with the early afternoon kick offs.

The north western corner up at the State Highway 1 end lingers long in the memory.

[Gumboot]

Started playing at 5yo at the Taihape "Rec". Bare feet, often in the snow, proper tackling from the get go - none of this fancy modern-day Rippa shit. Got my first pair of boots in my second year - they were totally inflexible molded plastic. The blisters healed just in time for the start of the next season. Good times.

[Guy Smiley]

Plastic moulded boots

Those things just scraped the skin off the back of your Achilles.

And the frost frozen ground at 2 in the afternoon... all the divots rising like chunks of concrete just waiting to greet you in a tackle. The line between sun and shade where you were never sure the ground was still hard or actually just covered in a nice inviting inch of mud on top of some nice sharp frozen divots. Rain coming in so hard it stung your eyes closed... having to play hockey on the tarmac netball courts because the playing field was flooded. Riding the bike to school in the snow and doing it in shorts because no way were you going to be labelled a soft fuck.

[GoTheCanes]

Hey don't shoot the messenger. Clearly someone thinks the global season is a good idea because it's an idea that doesn't seem to go away. We get that the NH is wealthy and that you have more money than you can ever spend, but unless Andy Marinos is negotiating with himself then someone from the NH game must be involved in discussing the global season. We get you guys hate change; you cried about the RWC and you cried about professionalism. The NH said both these things would destroy the game.

And yet nobody has been able to articulate why

I think if they can synchronise the seasons then the biggest benefit will be that the players in both hemispheres will be on similar playing and fitness cycles when the test windows come around. At the moment, the NH players are shattered when they tour in June/July.

Do you think the SH player could be a bit tired when they tour in November?

[Gumboot]

I think if they can synchronise the seasons then the biggest benefit will be that the players in both hemispheres will be on similar playing and fitness cycles when the test windows come around. At the moment, the NH players are shattered when they tour in June/July.

Do you think the SH player could be a bit tired when they tour in November?

Indeed. Players from both hemispheres being knackered when they tour makes it a global issue.