Class Q’s Post

All Blacks Claim the Raeburn Shield – Next Up, France! After their win over Ireland, the All Blacks now hold the Raeburn Shield! Next, they’ll defend it against France in a game that carries even more weight thanks to this unique title—and it’s one that’s capturing the hearts of fans around the world. Although the Raeburn Shield isn’t an “official” trophy, it’s very real to the thousands of fans who engage with it every week. Here’s why it’s making such an impact on fans and players alike: 🔗 Lineal World Title: The Raeburn Shield passes only by defeat, which means every holder has to defend it every match—giving each game an extra edge and meaning. 📜 A Story That Spans Generations: The Shield weaves a lineal legacy through rugby, connecting each match, nation, and team that holds it. For players, defending the Shield is an honour, knowing they’re adding to a history that’s passed from game to game. 🏆 Fan-Driven Excitement: Thousands of fans have been talking, sharing, and celebrating the Shield all weekend, showing that this lineal title resonates deeply with the rugby community. Every game becomes a “must-watch,” knowing the title could move on to a new team. 🌍 A Prize for All Nations: The Raeburn Shield is open to any team who can win it, adding excitement as every nation has a chance to compete for the title. You never know when that next opportunity will come, so each match carries a “take your shot” thrill that makes the competition even more meaningful. With New Zealand as the current holders, France is their first big test. Can the All Blacks keep the Shield in New Zealand, or will it make its way to France? This journey is one to follow! #RaeburnShield #AllBlacks #FranceRugby #rugby #rugbyunion David Algie David Robertson James William de Mortimer Craig Fenton Leanne Bats ᵍᵐ Lewis Wright Nick Riggall 🏉🤖Matt Hymers RugbyDAO

A very disappointing day for rugby in Australia. It seems history is set to repeat itself with another Australian Super Rugby Team ceasing to exist. It is naive to think reducing the professional contracting opportunities by 20% will increase depth and competition. The NRL and AFL have 17 and 18 teams respectively, Rugby will have 4. Which code do you think juniors will steer towards? A 1/4 chance or a 1/17 or 1/18, less career opportunities will equal less depth as potential players seek certainty and better odds of making it professional. How could a governing body be ignorant to a franchise operating insolvent for multiple years? I question whether this failure of corporate governance raises more concerns for the future of professional rugby in Australia.

The impact of Covid-19 on both businesses and communities has indeed been profound. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of relationships over transactions, emphasizing the value of collaboration, communication, and empathy. As businesses shift from a purely transactional approach to one that values relational dynamics, they foster environments where innovation and skill development thrive. This cultural shift towards nurturing soft skills and building partnerships can lead to more resilient and sustainable business models. Similarly, communities have faced challenges that require collective action and support. The pandemic has shown that community strength lies in unity and the ability to adapt and support one another. Coordinated efforts, whether through sponsorship, partnerships, or community initiatives, can help rebuild and reinforce community bonds, making them more robust against future adversities. The example of Westaway Sausages Ltd. and Newton Abbot Rugby Club illustrates how businesses can play a pivotal role in supporting and enhancing community spirit. By investing in local institutions and activities, businesses can contribute to the social fabric and well-being of the communities they are part of. In essence, the legacy of Covid-19 could be a shift towards a more relationship-oriented approach in both business and community settings, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, resilience, and mutual support.

I am delighted to be featured in this month's Sportin Wales magazine. You can find the digital version on their website at https://lnkd.in/eMdiuSGm Take a look at page 31 for guidance on navigating commercial property leases in Wales and England for prospective tenants. #LegalAdvice #CommercialProperty #NewColumn #CommercialLease

The D1 2024-25 USA Club Women’s Rugby season is well underway! While some leagues have already kicked off, others won’t start until the spring. We're excited to share our first pass at the standings by league. There might be a few gaps or updates we’re not aware of—if you spot anything, let us know! • Midwest: Kicked off September 7 – Columbus leads the East, and Metropolis Valkyries lead the West. • Atlantic: Kicked off September 28 – NOVA leads overall. • SoCal: Play typically begins in the spring. • NorCal: Play typically begins in the spring. • Pacific NW Prem: Play typically begins in the fall, but no activity yet. • Red River Prem: Play begins December 14. Now a D1/D2 hybrid competition. • Frontier: League play has begun, but no standings are available. Check out the full guide: https://bit.ly/4eDq2mK #USAClubRugby

I've written 3 suggestions for fixing Welsh Rugby #1 Reimagining Welsh Rugby's Professional Game Welsh Rugby is at a crossroads, and bold reform is needed to secure its future. The current structure has diluted resources, fractured fan bases, and struggled to compete on the global stage. It's time to return to their roots while building for the future. Imagine a professional system with three historic clubs—Llanelli, Cardiff, and Newport—at its heart. These iconic names carry decades of tradition, pride, and a deep connection to their communities. By focusing on quality over quantity, this streamlined model can create stronger teams capable of competing internationally, reignite local passion, and offer clear pathways for young talent to succeed. But it’s not just about the pro game. These clubs must be the cornerstone of their districts, (see #3) supporting grassroots rugby by funding development programs, coaching initiatives, and community engagement. Strong pro clubs can be beacons of inspiration, but their success must ripple through every level of the sport. Welsh Rugby’s future depends on honoring their history while embracing the changes needed to thrive in a modern game. It’s time to unify behind a vision that works for players, fans, and communities alike. Wales can build a rugby system that reflects their values, supports their talent, and secures their place on the global stage. #regionsarefinished #focusonfuture #nosoftoptions #itstime

We are delighted to announce our new Legal Column in the ever-growing Sportin Wales magazine. Catch us on page 31, where Rhys Williams shares expert advice on navigating commercial property leases in Wales for prospective tenants. #LegalAdvice #CommercialProperty #NewColumn

A little late to this, but a thoroughly interesting read from Roger Mitchell about the future of professional club rugby and the idea of a LIV-style super league (as also discussed by The Good, The Bad & The Rugby). There is no question that the club game is struggling financially at present, and there is already talk of Saudi investment in several Premiership clubs. So, would a LIV-style super league with club teams based across the world work? One can certainly see the commercial appeal - who wouldn’t love to watch the likes of Antoine Dupont, Beauden Barrett and Cheslin Kolbe getting drafted into the same team - but might it undermine the existing club structure and the talent development opportunities it entails? If it does happen, you would imagine that it won’t be without a significant legal battle (see, for example, the legal disputes over LIV Golf, the European Super League and the ice skating breakaway league). This would raise some fascinating legal questions about World Rugby’s regulatory framework and competition law. The recent decision of the CJEU on the European Super League case, which emphasised the need for access to the market for organising sports competitions to be governed by transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate criteria, would be particularly relevant. A more detailed blog post on this coming soon… In the meantime, what do you think about the idea? #SportsLaw #Rugby #LIV

An invaluable few days at Rugby Australia engaging with some quality people. Rugby in Australia is poised for a transformative decade with landmark events on the horizon: the 2025 Lions Tour, the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, and the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup. These events are set to elevate the game both domestically, in the Pacific and globally. Since Rugby Australia’s strategic reset & recharge last year, it is evident that planning and execution towards achieving their goals on and off the field are well underway. The forward-thinking concepts, initiatives, and programs within their performance and community development efforts are world-class. In one of the most competitive sporting landscapes this is a significant undertaking by one of our key Member Unions. With the continued alignment of vital stakeholders and the ongoing support of valued partners, the journey ahead for rugby in Australia and the Pacific looks both exciting and promising. #leadership #partnership #movingthegameforward World Rugby Oceania Rugby

Can the All Blacks hold onto the Raeburn Shield? Or will France take it for the north and try to keep it for the Six Nations in 2025? The Shield’s up for grabs again, and it’s all on the line at Stade de France this week. Historically, the All Blacks have the edge in Raeburn Shield clashes against France, winning 14 of their 19 Shield encounters. Across those match-ups, New Zealand has racked up 389 points to France’s 229. But here’s the twist—France has claimed victory four times, proving they’ve got what it takes to take the Shield north. In fact, the last time France held the Raeburn Shield was back in 2009, when they stunned New Zealand in Dunedin. Now, 15 years later, they’re looking to make history again and bring the Shield back to French soil. Who’s got the edge? The All Blacks have Beauden Barrett back at 10, with Codie Taylor starting at hooker, adding depth and experience. France, however, is ready to unleash some flair, with Romain Buros making his debut at fullback. Will the All Blacks’ strong historical edge and experience see them through, or will the passionate home crowd push France to reclaim the Shield for the first time since 2009? Why does this matter? The Raeburn Shield isn’t just a trophy—it’s rugby’s lineage, passed down from game to game since 1871. There’s no ranking or committee behind it—just the result on the field. Every match is a chance to add to a tradition that stretches back over 150 years, creating another chapter in rugby’s story. So, can the All Blacks keep it in the Southern Hemisphere? Or will France reclaim the Shield, setting up a Six Nations for the ages? Either way, it’s going to be a classic. Follow the Raeburn Shield and be part of rugby history.