Anglo-Welsh league on the cards and more : PlanetRugby

As 2024 shimmers into view on the horizon, we at PR Towers have cobbled together a list of seven rather bold predictions of events and decisions that could crop up over the next 12 months.

Bold they are: last year there was a hit-rate of only one out of seven! But implausible they are not. Well, not entirely…

English and Welsh teams will hold exploratory talks on a new Anglo-Welsh league as the player drain grows

It’s like this: much as English board members and club owners want to have a nice little club competition all of their own, the actual players are starting to realise that the tribal rivalries, feverish atmospheres and eurozone cultural opportunities are perhaps a more enriching life choice than wet and windy nights in England’s north east.

Meanwhile, as Welsh franchises find themselves evermore challenged by the fact that the actual money in rugby is mostly parked in private equity funds far, far across the Severn Bridge, the players in Wales will continue to hunt down opportunities for being paid out properly for their short careers elsewhere.

In short, the player drain from both countries will continue unabated.

But wait – tribal rivalries? How about rekindling that English v Welsh spirit! Feverish atmospheres? Imagine Parc y Scarlets faithful scenting a big win over the English, or Welford Road giving Cardiff a reception! OK, eurozone cultural opportunities aren’t there, but it feels like a richer league with a bit of zing to it than the current ring-fenced Premiership fare, not to mention being a more viable commercial option, especially for the Welsh teams.

If Newcastle Falcons go belly-up, do not discount this as an option that will be deeply explored.

Eddie Jones will lead Japan to victory over another tier one nation

He may be persona non grata in a handful of places and he’s not lost his caustic way, but he’s still Japan’s favourite rugby man. Armed with a suite of players that can only improve from the influx of talent into the domestic league and unburdened of the expectation that weighed constantly on him in England and Australia, Jones has a decent shot at bringing Japan forward once more.

He is BACK! ????

???? Eddie Jones has officially been confirmed as Japan’s head coach from 2024. ???? pic.twitter.com/mk0fyFiA9b

— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) December 13, 2023

It might come against England in June. But even if not, on the back of victory in the inaugural (in its new format) Pacific Nations Cup, Japan will likely be scheduled for at least two plum fixtures during November, one of which which could well end in a famous victory.

A South African team will win one of the European Cups

While it is a stretch to imagine the Bulls getting that far, the Stormers could get a decent shot at European glory if they can get to a home round of 16 tie and continue to successfully reintegrate their World Cup winners back into a talented squad.

Meanwhile, the Challenge Cup could be the Lions’ for the…