CUT SIX NATIONS TO BOOST LIONS
RFU urge Celtic nations to help out tourists
THE RFU are ready to urge the Celtic unions to consider shortening the Six Nations window every four years, to give the Lions more time to prepare.
Nigel Melville, the union’s interim chief executive, has been attempting to instigate talks between the Premiership clubs and the Lions over the issue of player release and training time.
However, the Premiership have resisted all demands to cut their season by one week in seasons when the British and Irish expeditions take place, so alternative solutions are being sought. Previous attempts to reduce the Six Nations from seven to six weeks — meaning just one rest weekend rather than two — have been rejected on player welfare grounds. But the RFU are set to suggest it again.
The Lions tour of South Africa in 2021 will consist of eight matches in total, two fewer than on recent tours. But they want to prevent a repeat of last year when Warren Gatland’s squad played their first fixture in New Zealand four days after arriving.
Melville, who is replacing RFU chief executive Steve Brown on a temporary basis, said: ‘They need an extra week. If every four years we move the Six Nations from seven to six weeks, you create that. So why don’t we do that? It would be better preparation for the Lions. Instead of coming out of a final and going straight into a Lions tour, how about you have the extra week? That would make a difference.’
After the last Lions tour, there was an acrimonious mood about the influence of the English clubs, who refused to consider altering their schedules. That is why Melville argues that creating a week is down to the unions. ‘It’s a balance,’ he said. ‘We’ve got to get movement in that fourth year. That (Six Nations plan) is an opportunity to get movement, if the Premiership weren’t prepared to move. It would require the support of Ireland, Scotland and Wales — France and Italy as well, who have no stake in the Lions.
‘I was a Lion. The old-fashioned tour has gone. But you have a three-Test series and you want the best preparation. Is it worth fighting for? Of course it is.
‘I’m on the Six Nations board, so I can certainly discuss it. We have to look at things slightly differently sometimes to protect what we think’s important — and the Lions is incredibly important.’
However, the Welsh, Irish and Scottish unions have previously resisted calls to shorten the Six Nations, as they do not have the same depth of playing resources.
In addition, they may argue that it is not their problem to solve, as the PRO14 league — with Welsh, Irish and Scottish sides — are already willing to shorten their season every four years.