Sir Bill Beaumont believes unified approach to tackling COVID-19 can help create a new international structure

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont believes a unified approach to tackling the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic can help his sport create a new international structure.

Plans for a two-tier Nations Championship - working around the Six Nations and Rugby Championship with promotion and relegation - were scrapped in June last year after failing to garner enough support.

But Beaumont, who hopes to be re-elected in his role next month, feels the suspension of sport is a chance to re-examine international calendars.

And, with World Rugby launching 80million US dollars to help unions negotiate the coronavirus crisis, he is encouraged by the togetherness between rugby nations.

Beaumont previously admitted there might not be any more international rugby played in 2020 and uncertainty remains over when domestic sport can resume.

[Rugby.com.au]