Smith: “Unions need to seize global season opportunity”

International Rugby Player’s Head of Player Welfare, Conrad Smith, has called on unions to back a deal for a global season. 

The former All Black has been representing players on a working group that has looked at options for an international calendar.

The group which includes World Rugby, Six Nations and Sanzaar representatives, meets with Union bosses in Dublin today (Tuesday) to further discuss a proposal that would kick off in after the next Rugby World Cup. 

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Smith said: “The last few years has seen a lot of discussion between the relevant stakeholders and I feel that the model that’s now on the table is the best for all sides.

“Along with player welfare considerations, International Rugby Players has always fought for a fair deal for emerging nations to get regular game time. This will hopefully make those sides more competitive and allow them plan their calendar years in advance – something they’ve never really had before. All sides can benefit from the certainty of having the calendar locked-in.

Lots of questions about how #rugby’s new world order might look. Here’s an explainer from @AlexMLowe & I.

⬇️ Relegation from #SixNations?

🏆 How to win it

🔃 How relegation works

🦁🏆 Lions & World Cup years

✈️ Neutral venues

🌍 T2 “Challenger” planhttps://t.co/J05uz7EXOG

— Will Kelleher (@willgkelleher) May 10, 2022

“This model isn’t perfect – and there are details still to iron out – but if we’re serious about growing the global game we can’t let commercial interests get in the way of doing the right thing.”