Global season has its pitfalls

A global season could pose several concerns, especially if the Springboks are to potentially join the Six Nations in the future, believes respected Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann (below).

As a former Lions coach and Springbok lock, Ackermann holds intimate knowledge of how the different seasons in the northern and southern hemispheres work, having being involved in both.

“I must admit I don’t have all the information, but the global season is in principle a good concept and I understand why World Rugby are talking about it,” he said.

“But most would argue: why fix something that ain’t broken?

“There is a need, though, for players to play in the same time zone and it could make sense at Test level, but there will have to be good reasoning regarding competition structures and how it would work.”

Due to seasonal differences, both hemispheres had designed their competitions according to the climate.

“If the Currie Cup and Super Rugby are still the priority in the southern hemisphere and the Currie Cup finished in October then there could still be the normal end-of-the-year tours,” Ackermann said.

“But somewhere SA would have to get a break in December and then start again in January.”

For argument’s sake, however, if the Boks were going to be part of the Six Nations, they would have to train hard over December.

“If they play in June against the northern hemisphere teams they still have to train, and if you tour you also have to train,” Ackermann said.

“And then I don’t understand where the player welfare comes in.”

The biggest issues, according to Ackermann, were whether World Rugby are going to scrap July Tests, and if so, when Super Rugby would then be played.