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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Michael Aylwin

Beleaguered World Rugby attempts to tackle conflict at heart of the game

Harlequins’ Alex Dombrandt is tackled by Yann Lesgourgues of Bordeaux Bègles.
Harlequins’ Alex Dombrandt is tackled by Yann Lesgourgues of Bordeaux Bègles. Rugby’s administrators are attempting to make the game safer while maintaining entertainment and excitement. Photograph: Andrew Fosker/Shutterstock

Governing bodies the world over can be certain of one thing only – they will be the subject of endless criticism. No half-serious journalist will write for long without taking the authorities to task over something, and journalists are the sensible ones. The public do the same but – how to put this – with extra feeling. All the time.

World Rugby is as assailed as any governing body. Its own players are taking it to court, after all, with the not insignificant claim World Rugby ruined their lives. That lawsuit may or may not be sitting at the top of an in-tray that creaks under the weight of grievances, most of them irreconcilable.

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