World Rugby vice-chairman Agustin Pichot believes international rugby is not working.
The former Argentina scrum-half feels the current financial model needs fixing and has called for a new 10-year blueprint ahead of the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
Here, Press Association Sport examines the key points to a long-running debate.
How does the current system work?
Northern hemisphere teams have traditionally toured the southern hemisphere in June, with vice-versa trips held in November. The British and Irish Lions tour every four years – to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
What does World Rugby want?
World Rugby revealed 18 months ago a deal agreed in San Francisco was intended to give clarity to the international calendar until 2032. This would see June tours to the south by European nations shifted back to July, with the international fixtures up north continuing to take place in November. At the time, World Rugby chairman and former England captain Bill Beaumont said the new “optimised global calendar that provides certainty and sustainability over the decade beyond Rugby World Cup 2019 represents an historic milestone for the global game”.
What are the benefits of these proposed changes?
The aim is to cut the stress on international players by giving them a longer summer rest, thus reducing the risk of injury and burn-out. Pichot is also keen to amalgamate July and November Tests into one block to make games more meaningful and attractive to sponsors. There are high-level concerns about falling attendances in some leading countries.
So what went wrong?
In the aftermath of the San Francisco summit, Premiership Rugby sought to extend the season in England. The season will still start in early September but, with the Test window moved to July, future seasons will stretch into June.
How did the players react to that?
It did not go down well. There has even been talk in England that strike action could ensue.
So what happens next?
More talking and more gnashing of teeth, no doubt. The game’s power-brokers are not on the same songsheet and rugby is at risk of alienating its players and frustrating its customers. The Lions’ slot in the calendar has been under attack from the clubs, who wish to reduce the window for future tours. A lack of adequate preparation time is widely considered to be the primary threat to the future prosperity of the Lions.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here