Rugby World Cup 2019

The problem with moving the six nations to then is, the Rugby Championship finishes about September, and not only that, moving the world cup to April and May also affects European competitions, and northern hemisphere domestic leagues. In September, it's only the southern hemisphere domestic leagues which are drawing to a conclusion; autumn internationals take place after that, with the Super Rugby competition taking more importance than say the New Zealand National Provincial Championship.

It's not easy, but the first world cup, in 1987, was staged in May and June; back then though, there was no Super Rugby, and no Rugby Championship; 1995 was staged in summer, but again, no rugby championship. So, Autumn is the only time it can realistically be staged.

Back on topic, with these changes, with games cancelled, e.g. England v France, what happens now with regards to advertising slot swaps? What I mean is, these games were being played during ITV Breakfast airtime; so, instead these slots go to ITV daytime and STV. Later in the day, STV give back some time to ITV Breakfast. Now that these games on Saturday aren't going ahead, does the airtime swap back?

Yeah, that is not right at all. Italy knocked out because a match was cancelled? Disgraceful. England vs France was a dead rubber - both teams qualified for the next round. But the Italy vs New Zealand match should've been rearranged.

Not seen as much of it as I'd have liked but it seems to have been very strongly supported with pretty full stadia, unlike the World Athletics in Doha last week.

I do think World Rugby need to look at scheduling again - they tried to be fairer this time by making the big teams play midweek more but I think that has been at a detriment to the fans and to the weekend line up. Doesn't help now that two of the Tier 1 clashes have ended up being cancelled.

CITV, James Martin and Countrywise on Saturday morning so looks like ITV Breakfast take the slot back. Bit of a loss for ITV for what for them must have been the most lucrative of the group games.

Through in 2023 it's in france so midweek less of a problem for Europe and South Africa.

ITV4 currently broadcasting the tournament from 891 years in the future with the Freeview EPG listing it as the 2910 World Cup.

Oh boy, can't wait to watch ITV4 on my iEye 10Gs!

Very solemn start to this morning's coverage.

Really? Can't see why...

Information is important.

I was referring to not just the typhoon that is affecting Japan but also the news that one person has already died. I quote from Craig Doyle:

"Lets be honest, rugby is not at the forefront of our minds this morning"

Not quite. France, by finishing second, now have a route to the final that runs through Wales and possibly South Africa. England's route to the final is now blocked by Australia and possibly New Zealand. They could have swapped places had France won (see also England v Belgium in the soccerball last year)