Six Nations and SANZAAR have released a joint statement on the global calendar
Rugby NewsFriday, 22 May 2020 at 10:51
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.
The statement said: "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 are:
1. Significantly mitigate overlaps between club and country fixtures
1. Significantly mitigate overlaps between club and country fixtures
2. Better aligned player release windows for players, stakeholders and competitions
3. Improve player welfare
4. Improve narrative and competitiveness of International and Domestic Competitions around clear windows
5. Define clear high-performance pathways for Emerging Nations through the delivery of an internationally more inclusive game
6. Evolve competition structures that are underpinned with enhanced commercial offerings
7. Restore public faith in the core values of rugby and showing strong collective leadership in the best interests of the game.
The statement added: "The Nations together with other key stakeholders 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."
LIST | 5 most irritating Rugby TV pundits
THEY are paid fortunes for their forthright opinions and insightful analysis but it only ever makes us reach for the mute button.
Drum roll please, as we count down Britain’s most irritating TV rugby union pundits…
5. Alan Quinlan
The former Munster and Irish forward makes no bones about his Irish bias. The man who missed the 2009 Lions tour thanks to a ban for gouging, certainly looks at things through one eye from the commentary box.
4. Andy Nicol
Can be as dank and drizzly as the weather north of the border. At times even the ITV adverts can offer a little bit more enjoyment than a piece of half-time analysis on the BBC from the 23-times capped former Dark Blue scrum-half. Does offer a little bit of analysis but more often than not it’s a case of stating the obvious.
3. Austin Healey
It seemed unlikely when he retired that Healey would manage to become even more annoying as a pundit than he was as a player. But, somehow, he’s achieved it. Great job. Do love his Twitter spats though…
2. Stuart Barnes
The former England outside-half and Sky Sports commentator can often be found not just winding up fans but players too! He does, every so often, throw out some epic lines while on commentary.
“Australia without Pocock is like Hamlet without the prince,” is a particular favourite.
1. John Inverdale
A man who drives many (especially outside England) to distraction and has been known to turn the airwaves shockingly blue on more than one occasion. Whilst he no doubt he has to focus on England more than other nations due to producer pressure and the demographics of the audience, his ability to turn conversation back to the Red Roses during matches when they aren’t even playing is legendary.
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