New proposals that the northern hemisphere season would start a month later and run from October to June
English Premiership Rugby has backed proposals for a newly integrated global season that have been tabled by the International Rugby Players’ Association .
The IRPA wants the northern hemisphere season to start a month later and run from October to June, with summer international tours to take place in the last three weeks of July.
The proposal would come into force for the 2015-16 season, following the Rugby World Cup in England, and is understood to have the support of the Aviva Premiership bosses.
The IRPA states that the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand would benefit from its plan because the Super Rugby season would be over, allowing the provinces to field stronger teams for the tour matches.
The southern hemisphere unions, the RaboDirect PRO12, the French Top 14, the Six Nations and the International Rugby Board are now being urged to consider the proposal.
New Zealand’s World Cup-winning captain Richie McCaw described the plan as “a game-changer for professional rugby" and those sentiments were endorsed by Ireland and Lions outhalf Jonathan Sexton.
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Thoughts?
I think its about 20 years past due! Should have happened a long time ago.
And should lend itself to creating a truly global game instead of this NH SH divide. At the moment with tours we play them during our off season and they play us during their off season. Its disjointed to say the least. This would level the playing field significantly and i would wager will result in more NH successes when we can meet them at similar points in the season.
However it does raise one issue off the top of my head. Ever get tackled when you're at full tilt on a warm day and on a bone dry rugby pitch? It's no joke! Bloody 3 degree burns!
Proposal for Global rugby season
posted on 11/7/13
Yeah mate, but I would much rather get the 3rd degree burns from dry grass than from grass with frost all over it
posted on 11/7/13
Something had to be done, Argentina for example were at a major disadvantage. I guess we will see how it works out later.
That's what sprinklers are for Ding!
posted on 11/7/13
Aristo. the sprinkler thing works to a point mate, but then you end up with a greasy surface and ball and that doesn't lend itself to running rugby. But its about the only option and right enough wetting the pitch is a damn sight cheaper than installing under pitch heaters for the dead of winter games.
posted on 17/7/13
It's a good idea and I see the benefit. Like Ding I worry about the potential for an early summer heatwave that could make the game very dangerous. I hate playing in even remotely warm conditions myself, can't imagine how it would be for the pro's at that level.