November Tests shaping as crucial for world rugby

World Rugby is facing difficult decisions resulting from the north-south split in seasons and the financial implications associated with a return to international rugby.

The immediate concern is with the potential loss of the July internationals in the southern hemisphere and the associated loss of revenue for the likes of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina.

But then in the November window, there is the consideration of finishing the suspended Six Nations championship and ensuring the November tours by the southern hemisphere nations.

World Rugby president, Bill Beaumont said two options were to the forefront in their thinking but were not restricted solely to them.

One involved matches played in the northern hemisphere in November with 'an equitable sharing of revenues' (something long overdue) or possibly having Tests played in the southern hemisphere and then in the north.

The second option was seen as difficult due to restrictions of achieving a suitable time in the remainder of 2020.

"We are well aware of the financial situation in the south," Beaumont said.

"The southern federations need the tests of July, those of the north of those of November.

"But we must be united in this crisis. No one is going to make a profit during this time, everyone is going to suffer. I have full confidence in the ability of the federations to work together to find a solution. Even the northern nations will be impacted," he said.

Beaumont added that if no Tests were possible in November the situation would become 'very serious'.

"We have to wait for the situation to settle. We cannot predict an exact solution today. The Federations are going to need matches, but we must also think of the clubs that have seasons to end," he said.

The situation needed to remain under control, he warned.

"It shouldn't become the Wild West. If everyone has gold fever and runs after silver, we will not get there," he said.

Meanwhile, French Federation president Bernard Laporte said no decision would be made about postponing or cancelling the July tours until the end of April.

He added that director-general of World Rugby Brett Gosper had already said that individual unions in the southern hemisphere could not decide on the cancellations or postponement of tours.