"Drags on" - Ben Youngs calls for change to outdated Six Nations format

RUCK’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations content

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In an exclusive chat with Jim Hamilton on The Big Jim Show podcast, the 34-year-old stalwart, boasting a remarkable 20 test tries under his belt since his debut in 2010, didn't mince words.

Traditionally, the Six Nations has been a grueling seven-week affair, with each team locked in a round-robin showdown against their five rivals.

But Youngs, the most capped player in England's illustrious history, is adamant: it's time for a change.

"The Six Nations shouldn't drag on for eight weeks. Let's trim it down to five, pack it with action, and give players a breather afterwards," he declared.

"With a tighter schedule, you'd see better ratings and a lot more nail-biting drama."

Bold words from a seasoned campaigner, but will his plea for brevity find favor among rugby's power brokers? Only time will tell.

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Breaking records and raising eyebrows, these players are leading the charge in the financial stakes of rugby union. Here's the rundown of the top earners in the game according to The Scotsman:

The South African skipper boasts an impressive resume with two Rugby World Cup triumphs and a commendable third-place finish. At French powerhouse Racing 92, Kolisi has been commanding a salary of £850,000, but with the recent arrival of Owen Farrell, he might be eyeing a bump in his paycheck.

De Klerk, another key figure in South Africa's World Cup-winning squad, has made his mark in Japan. Playing for the Yokohama Canon Eagles, he's banking a cool £900,000 annually, showcasing the global appeal of rugby's top talents.

Known for his electric pace and dazzling footwork, Cheslin Kolbe has become a sensation in the Japanese league with Suntory Sungoliath. The South African star is raking in an impressive £930,000 per year, proving that the allure of big money knows no borders.

England's talismanic former captain is set to join the million-pound club with his move to Racing 92. Already a hefty earner at Saracens, Farrell's switch to the French side is rumoured to catapult his earnings to over £1 million annually, solidifying his status as one of the game's highest-paid players.

Topping the charts is Scotland's standout playmaker, Finn Russell. With his move to Bath following the 2023 World Cup, Russell reportedly became the highest-paid rugby union player globally, boasting a salary of at least £1 million per year. However, with contenders emerging, the battle for the top spot is heating up in the world of rugby's financial elite.