Danny Care backs World 12s concept

Harlequins scrumhalf Danny Care believes the new World 12s competition scheduled to launch next year could be the spark needed to improve rugby as a spectacle.

It is hoped that the World 12s, a competition that has similarities to cricket's Indian Premier League, will attract new fans by having fewer players on the pitch - 12 on each side - using adapted laws designed to speed up play in games that last only 30 minutes.

"If you watch the majority of international Test matches at the moment, if New Zealand and France aren't playing then it doesn't really excite me, I'll be honest with you." said Danny Care 

"If there are any ways of trying to change that and inspire kids to pick up a rugby ball then I'm all for it.

"I tried to get my son to watch the Lions tour and he was like 'what is this'? I'd like to think our club tries to play in a way that inspires kids to play.

"I know international rugby is very different to club rugby and they say 'you can't play like that in international rugby'. Why not? Why can't you? You can if your coaches let you play like that.

"Maybe the 12s thing is an opportunity for coaches to look at that and think 'maybe we could play more of an expansive game'.

"It's certainly something I'd want to watch and maybe get involved in - if I make the auction!"