After skipping a trip to Argentina last summer, will the 16th in France be able to tour Australia next July? Faced with the recent developments in the health crisis, European teams are skeptical about the possibility of joining the Southern Hemisphere next July. A situation that could call into question the traditional quadrennial tour of the British and Irish Lions, who will play nine matches in South Africa between June 26 and August 7. Faced with all these uncertainties, the Australian Rugby Federation (ARU) suggested an alternative through the voice of its president, Hamish McLennan. Second, in an interview Financial Times, Proposing to organize a “mini-world cup” on its soil, inviting proud selections to face the Wallabies.

McLellan: “If anyone wants to come, it’s great! “

As ARU’s boss makes clear, France’s XV is due to play three Test matches against the Wallabies on July 3, 10 and 17. But Hamish McLellan is ready to welcome other choices, including the British and Irish Lions. “If anyone else wants to come, it would be great! In Australia, we have a large British and Irish population. There are a lot of South Africans too, the boss of Australian rugby guarantees. We are ready for the idea of ​​creating a new competition to allow the international calendar to continue. In addition, such a tournament will attract the greed of investors … CVC Capital Partners participating in the 6 Nations Tournament, to Silver interested in investing in All Blacks. “I had the opportunity to discuss this with senior executives at CVC, Silver Lake and other investment funds,” says Hamish McLellan. These discussions were very constructive. “For the first time in the tournament we will be able to face the Blues and the British and Irish Lions, which will be impressive for Fabian Galti and FFR.