Maro Itoje makes England vow amid rebel league reports

Chris Jones – BBC Sport rugby union correspondent

Given rugby union’s recent history of potentially-revolutionary ventures failing to get off the ground, supporters and players can be forgiven for treating this latest project with caution, especially as sources involved in the process have said it remains in the “very early stages of development”.

But considering the sport’s precarious financial situation – especially at domestic level – nothing is off the table.

While plans for the new competition remain embryonic, those involved insist there is money behind it, with that financial backing understood to be coming principally from the United States, rather than the Middle East.

While the money and reduced workload will appeal to players, it’s hard to know how it will land with consumers, especially if the games are staged in areas without a strong existing supporter base.

Cricket’s Indian Premier League is an example of a freshly created franchise tournament that changed the nature of the sport forever; but this took place in India, an enormous market already obsessed with cricket.

What is rugby’s equivalent?

Furthermore, there is the problem of whether this will be sanctioned by World Rugby.

While individual unions could still choose whether to select players involved, if the world governing body refused to approve it, there would be major issues around player insurance and injury liability, officiating, and anti-doping.

Given the problems the sport has faced, any interest in it has to be welcomed, and the fact talks have been ongoing over a British and Irish league recently show that bold and ambitious thinking is needed to safeguard rugby’s future.

But whether this rebel league is the answer, is the million-dollar question.