IRB plans North v South tsunami appeal games

UPDATE - The International Rugby Board is proposing to stage charity games between Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere teams for the Asian tsunami victims.

The IRB was inspired by the cricketing world's efforts to raise more than $15.41 million.

It wants to stage matches at Telstra Stadium in Sydney and Twickenham in London.

"We've heard a little bit of a whisper about it," said Wallabies fullback Mat Rogers.

"Certainly seeing what the cricket was able to accomplish was a bit of an inspiration for everyone."


The New Zealand Rugby Union said today it was considering the proposals for a Northern Hemisphere-Southern Hemisphere match.


NZRFU Chief Executive Chris Moller said it would have to canvas any proposal for a match with its Rebel Sport Super 12 franchises and with the New Zealand Rugby Players Association as a matter of course.


He added: "The Australian Rugby Union has also suggested playing a match in Australia during the mid-year international window when northern hemisphere teams will be touring in the southern hemisphere, with the suggestion of a reciprocal match in the northern hemisphere when southern hemisphere teams are touring there.


"This idea could be a better fit for the SANZAR countries and would likely raise more money than the option of a one-off match in March, which has been floated. These are matters we will need to discuss within SANZAR and with the IRB and our teams and players here."


New Zealand Rugby Players Association Executive Director Rob Nichol said he had been in contact with the other players associations around the world and there was widespread support for the concept.