Report Gives the IRB a Spray

An independently commissioned report released this week targets the International Rugby Board with severe criticism about its efforts to maintain and grow rugby union's global standing. Putting Rugby First, a report co-authored by the Spectrum Value Partners consultancy firm and the Addleshaw Goddard law firm and commissioned by an anonymous "group of concerned rugby supporters," lambasts the IRB for shortcomings such as:

• failing to pursue growth opportunities, particularly in large nations where rugby union is not popular (including the U.S.),
• providing an undemocratic environment by favoring the eight oldest "foundation union" nations in its policymaking, and
• falling behind other sports (including so-called "North American" sports such as American football).

Both the full report and an executive summary thereof have been posted online in an effort to espose as many readers as possible to the report. Whatever the outcome, it looks like the announcement should prompt some interesting discussion!