Right now the focus around IMG is on the Grading Criteria they released on Thursday.
However, the licencing they want to introduce is only the tip of the iceberg where the changes they want to make to rugby league are concerned.
And now former Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity and Bradford Bulls boss John Kear has called for Magic Weekend and Loop Fixtures to be “slung out of the window.”
He said on BBC Five Live: “I think now’s the time with IMG coming in that they need to look at the number of games. The biggest help England would get towards winning the World Cup would be to play a sensible number of games as they do in the NRL. All these loop fixtures and magic weekend should be slung out of the window and just play home and away and then the play-offs.”
Meanwhile, the Wales boss also gave his view of Shaun Wane keeping his position as England coach until the end of the next World Cup:
“I think it’s the right decision, simple as that. He’ll carry the experience he’s had and learn from any mistakes he’s made, so preparation for the 2025 World Cup in France will obviously be better from Shaun’s point of view. He’s certainly got the backing of the players.”