Why Fans Deserve Access to Tier -Two Rugby.

By David MacLennan Resident URF Writer

In the scene between the mad Irishman and William Wallace, he says "The Almighty says

this must be a fashionable fight". Why Fans Deserve Access to Tier-Two Rugby**

Rugby loves to call itself a “global game,” but if we’re honest,it’s only truly global if people can actually watch it. And right

now, millions of rugby supporters around the world —including those who pay for multiple streaming services like

Stan, Sky, or FloRugby — simply cannot watch Tier-Two international matches. It’s a problem that has existed for years, and it’s now holding

the sport back.

The Fans Are Willing — The Access Isn’t

Take nations like Brazil, Belgium, Spain, Chile, Portugal, the USA, Canada, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Georgia. Some of these teams are rising faster than anyone expected. Some have been consistently strong for decades. All of them bring unique cultures, flair, and passion that enrich the global game.Yet most fans have no idea what these teams are doing between World Cups because their matches are practically invisible.

Even dedicated rugby tragics — the proper die-hards who pay for every service, read every article, and watch every highlight package — are locked out. If they can’t find the matches, what chance does the broader audience have?

World Rugby Should Lead From the Front

This is where World Rugby must step forward. It is their responsibility to grow the sport, broaden the fan base, and

nurture the next generation of rugby nations. And that starts with visibility.

At the very least, there should be:

• Delayed broadcasts (even 1–2 hours after kickoff),

• Official highlights packages,

• Short-format recaps,

• Centralised access that fans around the world can rely on.If live rights are complicated or expensive, fine — but there is

no justification for fans having zero access whatsoever.

A Missed Opportunity for Growth

Imagine this:

Before Springboks vs All Blacks, we kick off with USA vs Portugal, or Samoa vs Georgia, or Brazil vs Chile. Before England vs Scotland in the Six Nations, we get a curtain-raiser like Spain vs Belgium — broadcast worldwide. Fans would love it. Broadcasters would love the build-up.

Tier-Two nations would gain exposure and financial support. And rugby as a whole would grow.

This is how real global sports operate. Rugby is still treating Tier-Two nations like an afterthought — and it shows.

Accessibility Creates Belonging

The truth is simple: you cannot build passion for a team that nobody gets to watch. You cannot inspire kids in emerging rugby nations if their

heroes are invisible. And you cannot call rugby “global” while hiding half the world’s international fixtures.

World Rugby, this is a direct appeal from genuine fans: 

Give Tier-Two rugby a platform. Even delayed coverage is better than silence.

We want to watch. We want to support. We want these nations to grow. You’ve told us for years that expanding rugby is a priority. Now it’s time to prove it.

Make Tier-Two rugby accessible. The fans are ready.

The world is ready. Or do we do in response to what he said in the heat of battle? “ my lord tells me that he can get me out of this mess, but he’s

pretty sure, you’re SCREWED!!!🤣 🤣 🤣