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A new global calendar is due to come in in 2026 to help boost revenues, with the world’s top 12 Test nations taking part in a Rugby Nations Championship, culminating in a weekend of finals in late autumn to decide the winners and final rankings.<\/p>\n
World Rugby reportedly turned down a lucrative proposal from Qatar to host the climax of the first four editions of the biennial tournament in 2025, 2028, 2030 and 2032., external<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Benazzi, currently a French Rugby Union (FFR) vice-President, believes there is still scope to revive the plan, albeit on a smaller scale and with Qatari commitment to human rights.<\/p>\n “Qatar have improved a lot of things in their country and sport has helped accelerate integration and understanding for the culture,” explained Benazzi, who attended the 2022 Fifa World Cup in the country.<\/p>\n “I was very impressed with the Qataris’ interest in sport and their open mind about women. It is a new path and we have to find a new market, and new countries to host.<\/p>\n “We refused Qatar with five finals. They come back now maybe with interest for one final – that’s interesting. We don’t close the door.<\/p>\n “But we won’t sell our rugby and lose our values. We have to discuss with everyone.”<\/p>\n