Reports are circulating that proposals that the incoming ‘world league’ could significantly impact the prestigious Six Nations tournament, potentially reducing it to just six weeks.
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Traditionally, the tournament includes two breaks known as ‘fallow’ weeks surrounding the third round. However, according to the Daily Mail, Six Nations organisers are considering relinquishing one of these rest periods to accommodate a possible biannual world competition.
This potential decision is raising concerns among players and stakeholders in the sport, who worry about the growing congestion in both club and international schedules.
The Daily Mail noted that players have not been directly involved in discussions about these proposals, reminiscent of the RFU’s sudden implementation of radical tackle-height laws last year.
This disconnection between players and governing bodies is concerning, especially in an era where player welfare and the long-term effects of head injuries are paramount with a lawsuit against World Rugby pending.
Since its inception in 2000, each round of the Six Nations has been held two weeks apart, but growing commitments elsewhere have compressed the tournament schedule.
With already limited rest time over seven weeks, suggestions to further shorten the competition are expected to face strong opposition from players and welfare agencies.
Telegraph picks 2025 British & Irish Lions squad with Marcus Smith missing out
With the conclusion of the Six Nations, marked by England’s resurgence and Ireland’s triumphant performance once again, The Telegraph have revisited their squad predictions.
Check out who they selected below.
Props:
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
- Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
- Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
- Andrew Porter (Ireland)
- Ellis Genge (England)
- Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
Hookers:
- Dewi Lake (Wales)
- Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
- Ronan Kelleher (Ireland)