Traditional Rugby Tour Could Return

A meeting of representatives from the 10 Tier 1 Unions hosted by the International Rugby Board at Heathrow agreed to investigate a return to traditional tours as a potential way to solve the problematic June Test match window.

Representatives of the IRB, Six Nations and SANZAR countries and Argentina agreed that the best way to enhance meaning and value for the June window was to create a modern version of the traditional tour.

Subject to the commitment agreed to during the Global Season Forum at Woking last year, the best available teams would tour annually.

‘The issue of the playing calendar is incredibly complex,’ Bernard Lapasset, IRB chairman, said. ‘It includes the requirements of the clubs, provinces and national Unions, the issue of separate playing seasons in two hemispheres, player welfare requirements, geographical and time zone considerations. Finding solutions that allow for growth, a balanced schedule and the promotion of meaningful matches has been a challenge.’

In addition to discussing issues surrounding scheduling, the gathered group also agreed to conclude ongoing negotiations regarding the integration of Argentina into the Tri Nations.

Work on both of these issues will be further discussed at upcoming IRB Executive Committee and Council meetings.