This has been the most entertaining pool stages of a Rugby World Cup ever.
The so-called minnows have not just shown up and rolled over, they’ve taken the fight to the top teams. Whatever happens in the knockout rounds, the tournament will be remembered for Japan’s win over South Africa in their opening game.
But even though the tier 2 teams have given us some of the best moments of this World Cup, they’re still not being treated fairly.
Players for the smaller nations are still getting longer bans than their opponents. And while the unions for top nations are bagging more than £7.5m just for taking part, the likes of Japan and Samoa get a paltry £150,000.
While this class divide has been ever present in the sport, social media has finally given the players a platform to shout about it.
Results aside, @rugbyworldcup has been a shocker for Tier2 sides. Commercially, Scheduling-wise and judicially @WorldRugby found wanting.
— Daniel Leo (@danleo82) October 7, 2015
This lack of funding means that some players are having to make their own ways home once their tournament is over.
Thanks @rugbyworldcup for a great tournament! Too bad we have to pay to leave !
— Jamie Cudmore (@JNCudmore) October 7, 2015
Just to clarify, players are given train or plane tickets to remove them ASAP from country. No option to change and enjoy #RWC2015 (1/2)
— Jamie Cudmore (@JNCudmore) October 8, 2015
(2/2) European players driving home (cheaper opt) are out of pocket. Sad after such a great tournament @rugbyworldcup won't spring for gas !
— Jamie Cudmore (@JNCudmore) October 8, 2015
With so many players at the tournament still amateurs, it really is a shocking indictment of how little World Rugby seems to care about the teams not competing in the Six Nations or Rugby Championship.
The main reason this World Cup has been so entertaining has been the performances of the tier 2 nations. If things keep going like this, we might not see them in 2019.
@davidflatman @JNCudmore @rugbyworldcup @WorldRugby the answer is simple bro. No pay no play. Tier 2 nations should boycott RWC2019
— Daniel Leo (@danleo82) October 7, 2015
