Sally Horrox (World Rugby): “We couldn’t wait any longer to launch the WXV”

World Rugby formalized this Friday the creation of a new competition for women’s selections, the WXV, which brings together 18 teams in three levels, and whose first edition will be held next October. WXV 1, made up of the best nations, will be held in New Zealand on October 21 and 28 and November 4, while WXV 2 and WXV 3 will take place on October 14, 21 and 28.

These dates thus largely overlap those of men’s world cup, organized in France from September 8 to October 28. The choice to position the WXV at the same time as the final phase of the World Cup (the quarters will begin on October 14) raises questions.

“It’s not the ideal year to start […] But it was imperative that we be able to organize this competition this year to offer more competitiveness to the selections.

Because the objective of this new competition is to strengthen the competitiveness of all the selections but also to offer greater visibility to women’s practice. However, at this precise moment, the eyes of supporters around the world will be turned towards France.

An “absolute imperative”

“It’s not the ideal year to startrecognized the head of women’s rugby at World Rugby, Sally Horrox, during a video press conference on Wednesday. The dates do not fall at the best of times but they were planned before the Covid-19 pandemic and have moved slightly since. This decision was taken in consultation with the federations. »

For Sally Horrox, the important thing was to launch WXV as soon as possible: “It was imperative that we could organize this competition from this year to offer more competitiveness and high standards to the selections. It was an absolute imperative. We couldn’t wait any longer to build a true role model for women’s rugby. From there, we can grow and improve. »