Six Nations set to fill a later slot in new calendar

THE Six Nations is set to move away from its traditional winter slot in the calendar, according to reports. A joint statement from the Six Nations and SANZAAR on Friday stated that rugby chiefs on both sides of the equator were willing to work together towards a global season. And it looks as if changes will be introduced sooner rather than later. The Rugby Paper reports that the end result is likely to be the Six Nations moving to a later date in the year. After being played in winter for more than 100 years, it appears the tournament could now end up being played in April or May. A source told the Rugby Paper: “The aim is to play the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship at the same time, thereby giving the clubs a clearer run without losing their international players. “It’s not easy to find the best solution but we’re getting there.” Aligning the Six Nations and Rugby Championship will certainly be welcomed by clubs given that it would minimise the overlap between the international and club games. “I think there would be willingness to move the Six Nations to March and April,” a source told the Telegraph earlier this month. It is difficult to play rugby in Australia in January and February, but switching the Rugby Championship to March/ April would allow for that.” A global season has been on the cards for some time now, but up until now it has not got anywhere. However, the coronavirus pandemic has left many feeling significant change is needed for the sport’s future. In their joint statement, the Six Nations and SANZAAR said: “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. “Even though there may be different preferences, from the outset the Nations have adopted a mindset that has sought to eliminate selfinterest and recognise that the international and club game have shared mutual benefits that if approached and managed correctly can enable both to flourish.”