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World Rugby chairman: 'No decisions have been made' on World League

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont to hold meeting on World League Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont has insisted that "no decisions have been made" on the controversial plans to create a new World League.

The governing body are reportedly prepared to revamp the international rugby calendar with the introduction of a 12-team World League from 2020 that will include teams from the Six Nations and Rugby Championship sides as well as the United States and Japan.

The proposal has been met with criticism from a number of high-profile players including Ireland flyhalf Johnny Sexton.

Beaumont responded with a statement on social media to dismiss the reports and confirmed that a meeting will take place with representatives from all tier-one countries including Fiji, Japan and the players later this month.

"In light of continued speculation and commentary, I am convening a meeting of Chairmen and CEOs from tier one unions, Fiji and Japan, and player representatives in Dublin later this month to consider the way forward for an annual international competition," the statement said.

"Contrary to reports, no decisions have been made. This is an ongoing and complex process with multiple stakeholders, some with differing views.

"Only by working together in the interests of the global game can we achieve something impactful in this important area for rugby's future global growth. "I look forward to a constructive debate with my colleagues and productive outcomes."

The proposal has seen Pacific nation players consider a motion to boycott this year's World Cup in Japan, with reports claiming the new competition would exclude them for at least 12 years.