KEY POINTS:
The International Rugby Board is frustrated that the world's premier competitions are beyond its control.
Chairman Bernard Lapasset says it is an anomaly that the IRB is the governing body of its sport but competitions like the Six Nations, Tri-Nations and Heineken Cup, which generate millions of dollars, are in the control of private companies.
"I asked a recent IRB meeting if it was possible for us to take control of these competitions because [there is a] need to find some way to put the interests of the game and the union first, not just to earn money and pay so much of it into the professional system.
"This is because in the professional system just 2 to 3 per cent of players are professional. ... There is a lot of money for this 2 to 3 per cent but for the rest of the game, very little. That is the problem of the IRB.
"Now, with the economic crisis, it is time to see if there is a new way that is possible to administer the game. We need to find new ways and strategies so that the game can become a really top sport for everyone."
A key solution to this dilemma would be a global season, he believes. But too many of his predecessors have long studied that old chestnut and finally abandoned it as unworkable. Even this ebullient Frenchman is realistic about its chances.
"A global season ... is in the interests of both hemispheres that we should create it. But to do that we must share the revenues to help countries like Fiji keep their players and organise strong competitions."
What Lapasset wishes to see first is a change of attitude among individual countries, a decline of the "grab, grab" philosophy in favour of a "what would be best for the game" approach.
"We need more club competitions in Europe, for example, and also find a way to include countries like Portugal, Romania and Spain at international level in a European competition.
"We must have a new vision ... we need to promote the game before new audiences, with support from governments and sponsors."
