World in Union.

Six Nations and SANZAAR, the southern hemisphere body that represents South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina, have released a joint statement this morning outlining their recent discussions regarding a global rugby calendar.

While both bodies have admitted they have different preferences in terms of the outcome, they have agreed to set aside their self-interest in order to benefit the international and club game on a global scale.

“Following the World Rugby meetings in March this year, SANZAAR and the Six Nations (“the Nations”) have been working closely over the lockdown period against a set of key principles between the parties, to develop and agree proposals for an aligned global calendar,” a statement read.

“Even though there may be different preferences, from the outset the Nations have adopted a mindset that has sought to eliminate self-interest and recognise that the international and club game have shared mutual benefits that if approached and managed correctly can enable both to flourish.

“A further consultation process, in total transparency with unions, clubs and players, will commence as all parties work towards an aligned global calendar that can deliver a clear and coherent narrative.”

The key principles that have underpinned the work to date done by the two bodies are:

• Significantly mitigate overlaps between club and country fixtures
• Better aligned player release windows for players, stakeholders and competitions
• Improve player welfare
• Improve narrative and competitiveness of International and Domestic Competitions around clear windows
• Define clear high-performance pathways for Emerging Nations through the delivery of an internationally more inclusive game
• Evolve competition structures that are underpinned with enhanced commercial offerings
• Restore public faith in the core values of rugby and showing strong collective leadership in the best interests of the game.

Six Nations added that together with other key stakeholders they remain open to shape the options that have been developed in an effort to resolve an issue that has held the game back for many years and are committed to putting rugby on a progressive path.

Absolutely fantastic news for the game. A massive step forward.