SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux says the concept behind World Rugby’s Nations Championship is ‘interesting’.

SA Rugby’s representatives will report back to internal stakeholders, following the latest discussions on the Nations Championship concept.

Following positive meetings with rugby’s major stakeholders in Dublin today, here is the proposed Nations Championship format. pic.twitter.com/7lOzBgHWC7

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) March 14, 2019

The creation of an annual championship for rugby nations – within a new, global business model – has been under discussion within World Rugby for a number of months.

Concerns have been raised by the International Rugby Players Council about their involvement in discussions as well as how the championship will potentially affect player welfare.

ALSO READ: Players want say on Nations Championship

The concept was discussed in Dublin on Thursday at a meeting of the World Rugby council, at which SA Rugby was represented by president Mark Alexander and Roux.

‘The model is an interesting one,’ said Roux. ‘Creating a meaningful season-long competition out of the current patchwork of events and tournaments has an obvious appeal, as well as providing a clear development pathway for emerging nations, which speaks directly to one of the fundamental goals of World Rugby.

‘It would also create new and potentially lucrative opportunities for the sport, as well as a single point of purchase for existing and new broadcasting players.

‘But there are a number of due diligences to be performed and questions to be answered before anything can come to fruition.’

Roux said the next step for SA Rugby would be to consult with its member unions, as well as player representatives before committing the organisation to a final position on the proposal.

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images