World Rugby Chiefs Nearing New Rugby Calendar Agreement
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RFU chief Ian Ritchie has confirmed that administrators worldwide are nearing an agreement on a new rugby schedule, which will come into effect after the 2019 World Cup.
The Six Nations is likely to retain its place in the calendar, with Ritchie dismissing any notion of a full-on global season, which would involve one of the northern or southern hemispheres making rugby a summer sport.
“SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia) do not want to play in their summer, and frankly neither do we,” said Ritchie.
Under the proposals revealed earlier this month, the two hemispheres will look to closer align their domestic seasons, with summer tours the year after a World Cup set to be scrapped.
“By process almost of elimination, if you leave the Six Nations and the autumn, you are left with that focus around the summer,” added Ritchie.
“We’ve got to reach a deal and I’m sure we will.” [BBC]
