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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Michael Aylwin

North and south collide in new Nations Championship of punishing itineraries

Nations Championship Adam Beard Ardie Savea Finn Russell Rugby Cardiff Bath Córdoba Fiji Wales
The New Zealand captain Ardie Savea in training.
The New Zealand captain Ardie Savea trains before their Nations Championship opener against France in Christchurch. Photograph: Sanka Vidanagama/AFP/Getty Images

You know something is not quite right about a competition when Fiji are hosting Wales in Cardiff. You know something is not quite right when the Wales players are still locked in negotiation with their paymasters over “employment terms” only three days before the Test.

Welcome to rugby’s latest controversial ruse. The next time World Rugby spouts that thing about player welfare being their No 1 priority, just say “Nations Championship” back at them. The next time the governing body goes on about the sanctity of the World Cup, do the same.

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