Plans have been unveiled for a new 12-a-side rugby competition proposed to take place in England next August.
The BBC reports, the new tournament, World 12s, is intended to feature 192 of the world's best players, picked via auction to represent eight franchises.
World 12s Limited says the competition will take place over three weekends in a round-robin format before knockouts.
World 12s say they hope to inject as much as 250 million pounds into rugby union through the tournament and will offer equal prize money for men and women, with the women's competition proposed for 2023.
It is intended that most players will be selected from Tier One nations but every franchise will be required to select at least two players from Tier Two nations and one under-20s international player.
World Rugby insisted extensive talks with the tournament organisers were vital.
Former All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen is acting as a World 12s ambassador and believes players will jump at the chance to take part in the new tournament.
[Source: BBC]
