Rugby X: new five-a-side indoor format
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Rugby X: can new five-a-side format revolutionise rugby union?
An international tournament is planned to be held in London this October. First there was 15s, then there was sevens and soon rugby union will get a new five-a-side version of the sport. It’s reported today in The Times that a “radical” plan for indoor five-a-side rugby has been approved by World Rugby, the sport’s global governing body. Called “Rugby X”, the Times says that the fast-paced format could “revolutionise” the sport’s finances and have a “global appeal in the way that Twenty20 has transformed cricket”. Played indoors on artificial grass pitches, a first international tournament is set to be held in London this October and five more events are planned around the world for 2020. Five-a-side teams will play matches that are ten minutes in length. October’s tournament in London is set to be held at The O2 Arena and could feature men’s and women’s teams from nations such as England, Australia, France, Wales and Fiji. The Daily Mail says that while talks are ongoing “it seems clear that World Rugby are open to radically changing the landscape of the sport”. It’s hoped that Rugby X will “attract a young demographic both in terms of the live event but also coverage on television”.Rugby X: the rules * Played indoors on artificial grass pitches * Five players per team * Ten-minute matches * No half-time * Uncontested three-man scrums * No change of ends * Restart from goal-line with tap-and-goThe story apparently comes from the Times, so we don't know whether New Zealand has been left out on purpose, or whether we really won't have a team participating in this tournament. The question is, do we really need or want a new format like this?
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@Stargazer sounds pretty shit eh, although I probably said that about cricket max.
Rugby 5s isn't new - that's beach rugby. They say they are hoping to attract a young crowd, as though rugby doesn't already do that?
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Bro, the natural progression of this has already happened
Ladies and Gentleman, i give you Rugby XX - 1 a side AKA The Run It Straight Challenge
It's fast, it's entertaining, it takes 3 seconds, and best of all anyone can do it. The motherfucking future
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@mariner4life Fuck that, it's league (note label at the bottom, and no-arms in most of the 'tackles')
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Maybe not a bad game to play ... but I think the sevens market seems over saturated already, and this doesn't appear to be overly different to it.
@Stargazer said in Rugby X: new five-a-side indoor format:
The story apparently comes from the Times, so we don't know whether New Zealand has been left out on purpose, or whether we really won't have a team participating in this tournament. The question is, do we really need or want a new format like this?
Sensitive much?
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@MajorRage it's already played, just it's typically on a beach, not a court (and it's farking brutal).
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@Bones said in Rugby X: new five-a-side indoor format:
@MajorRage it's already played, just it's typically on a beach, not a court (and it's farking brutal).
Yeah, I've seen it in Hong Kong before on the beach. You'd certainly need to be fit.
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@MajorRage last time I played it out best player was a prop (he was 1.9m and 130kg). Next best was a couple of those small nuggety opensides you seem to find at most clubs in NZ that are just hard as fuck. It's really easy to put on a "smashed em bro" on sand, not so easy to step...
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Good - every clown can go play/ support this abomination and leave the adults to rugby.
From the Daily Mail:
Former England and Fiji sevens coach Ben Ryan has been helping to develop the format.
Well colour me surprised. If there's a stench of stupid ideas, he's near by. I don't know why this fluffybunny is feted - it's not like he coached Spain to win a gold medal ffs.
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@antipodean said in Rugby X: new five-a-side indoor format:
Good - every clown can go play/ support this abomination and leave the adults to rugby.
From the Daily Mail:
Former England and Fiji sevens coach Ben Ryan has been helping to develop the format.
Well colour me surprised. If there's a stench of stupid ideas, he's near by. I don't know why this fluffybunny is feted - it's not like he coached Spain to win a gold medal ffs.
Bit harsh. I'd recommend reading his book about what a sh*tshow Fiji rugby was when he arrived and how he turned it round to them winning in Rio. Its a fantastic read, and he comes across as a genuinely good bloke.
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Nothing confirmed on the World Rugby website, yet.
World Rugby backs Ben Ryan's five-a-side 'Rugby X' event
World Rugby has approved a radical new format of the game which is set to be given a trial run at an event in London later this year.
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I'll pass judgment after I've actually seen a few games. As I said, I'm not really a fan of indoor sports, but I can imagine that this might be a good option for people in areas that are - climatologically - not suitable or attractive for outdoor sports. It won't compete with real rugby, whether it's sevens, tens or XVs. It may compete with futsal, netball, volleyball etc.
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They should flag the 5 a side and create an international indoor bull rush tournament. Teams of 10 going at it. You get a point for each player that makes it to the other end. They could do squads of 15 but no injury replacements during the game. Any game ending in a tie will be decided with game of force back. Would be epic.
