European officials of the International Rugby Board threaten to boycott Lions Tour 2013
During the International Rugby Board (IRB) re-election meeting last week, the northern hemisphere officials have hinted boycotting the 2013 Lions Tour.
However, this has not been formally communicated but it has been talked about that the union of England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland may be seen breaking away after such a long time.
Sources disclosed that the land down under, Australia and New Zealand, were also seen divided during the course of the meeting. The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) sided with English Beaumont, which was shocking for many because previously they would always
choose what the Australian side would opt for.
Bernard Lapasset, the current IRB chairman has gained support of Australia to continue shouldering the responsibility for next four years. That has washed away the hopes for the England's Bill Beaumont, who have the English side at its back. Meanwhile, the
Frenchman, Lapasset won a tight 14-12 vote, which was also backed by South Africa.
According to the news in speculation, it is believed that New Zealand had lured England to an amazing deal to barter backing Beaumont.
The convention turned a bit hostile because Wales's David Pickering and Scotland's Bill Nolan were laid off to create room for Tatsuzo Yabe and Bob Latham from the emerging regions of Japan and North America. These latest installations were a lot more than
the mere selection. Through these appointments, it now means that the power base of IRB's head table resides with Japan and North America, who will subsequently support the southern hemisphere plans more. This is feared by Wales and Scotland that now with
this sort of appointment their voice may get subdued, which will adversely affect their standing in IRB.
The British and Irish Lions were scheduled to play the Tests against Australia in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney in June-July 2013 which is a nine-match tour. However, after the wrap up of the current meeting the chances of this schedule continuing unhampered
have dropped to nil.
According to the plan, the Lions, who previously visited Australia in 2001, will inaugurate their Test campaign in Brisbane on 22 June, then they will move to Melbourne on 29 June and will wrap up their tour in Sydney on 6 July.
It will be very interesting to find out how things will pan out in 2013, which appear to be very tense currently.
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