Top clubs join talks to establish global calendar

Premiership and Top 14 clubs were yesterday given a seat at the table in discussions about creating a global calendar for the first time.

The Six Nations and Sanzaar, which represents South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina, issued a joint statement confirming their desire to “eliminate self-interest” by aligning the season structures in the northern and southern hemispheres.

Six Nations organisers are open to moving the competition from its traditional February-march slot to Marchapril, which would then coincide with the Rugby Championship. There are also plans to scrap the July international window and extend the November window in October.

Any such shifting of the global calendar would need the backing of the English and French clubs, who dominate rugby’s economy. Having previously complained that discussions were happening without their input, Simon Halliday, the chairman of European Professional Club Rugby, confirmed that “we are in full consultation as of today”.

The European club season would require a significant restructure if an October-november international window was introduced, which Halliday says is “just a think tank”. However, there are indications from all parties that there is significant goodwill to create a calendar that serves the needs of both club and country, north and south.

Any changes to the international windows would need to be approved by the World Rugby Council. But for the Six Nations and Sanzaar to be working together is progress after admitting their lack of cooperation “has held the game back for many years”.

Meanwhile, private equity firm CVC has completed its purchase of a 28 per cent stake in the Pro14.