World Rugby welcomes commitment from the Six Nations and SANZAAR

World Rugby says they welcome the commitment from the Six Nations and SANZAAR for closer collaboration to ensure a more harmonious global calendar for all stakeholders.

They say they have consistently supported and championed reform of the international calendar for the betterment of the sport as a whole, including all unions, international and club competition organisers and players.

World Rugby further says within regular and productive discussions between stakeholders, World Rugby is working to ensure that any calendar outcome recognises the global nature of the sport, and therefore the competition needs of all nations at all levels.

It adds any proposed competition model must also prioritise player welfare considerations, the women’s game, and protect the funding model of the wider game which is driven by the growth in the value of Rugby World Cup.

They says that they look forward to further close collaboration with all parties to reach the best outcome for the global game adding a decision on any adjustment to the current global calendar and its international release windows will be considered and taken by the World Rugby Council.