International Rugby Board May Overhaul Calendar To Avoid Player Burnout

Moves to "reduce the burden" on players by overhauling the int'l rugby calendar will start in the new year after "agreement between the world’s leading unions, which could ultimately pave the way towards a global season," according to Mark Souster of the LONDON TIMES. The Int'l Rugby Board "has reacted to concerns that the season is too congested by forming a working party to see if there is room for manoeuvre and what may be feasible." The present tours agreement is in place until '19, but an IRB spokesperson said that "the ambition is to see if progress can be made in time for the 2016-17 season." It will "not be a straightforward exercise, as complex broadcast and sponsor deals would also have to come into the equation" (LONDON TIMES, 11/26).