RPA unanimously declines extended domestic season

Rugby Players' Association has expressed disappointment on Premiership Rugby's proposal of having an extended domestic English season.

Premiership Rugby's chief executive Mark McCafferty announced in a press release in March that the board is considering to increase the number of games following the conclusion of Six Nations tournament from the 2019/20 season.

This will also mean that the season will come to a conclusion in June as compared to May - which is in place currently.

McCafferty also reasoned that the new 10-week window will also ensure that there will be less collision between club and international rugby, thereby ensuring the clubs don't miss out on international players during crucial phases.

Addressing the "player welfare" issue McCafferty said the 32-match limit will continue to remain for the players, who will have to be managed individually.

"The Rugby Players' Association has always sought to work collaboratively with Premiership Rugby to address player welfare concerns," said the RPA in a statement released on Monday.

"It therefore caused significant concern and disappointment to our members to learn of Premiership Rugby's plans to extend the domestic season via a press release in late March.

"This proposal had not previously been discussed with the RPA. Despite this disappointment, Premiership Rugby were invited to present their proposals in more detail to the RPA Players' Board on Wednesday 10th May.

"However, after due consideration, the board unanimously rejected these proposals in their current form.

"The Premiership season is already longer than comparable contact sports, including Super League, NFL and AFL."

RPA also further emphasised that the training and mental aspects can pose a serious threat in an extended season.

"The physical and mental strain placed on participants of professional contact sport cannot be underestimated," the RPA statement said.

"We believe the reduction of the domestic off-season from three to two months will have a seriously detrimental effect on player welfare unless substantial guaranteed safeguards are introduced.

"The RPA fought hard for the inclusion of a mandatory five-week off-season break in the standard Premiership contract, but players also require an extensive pre-season period to sufficiently prepare themselves for the physical demands of the season.

"A significant off-season period is essential to provide physical and, crucially, mental respite for our members."

RPA also questioned Premiership Rugby's decision citing the case of international players, who will now have 11-month game time unless they are given rest at the start of the domestic season.

"If the Premiership season retains its current start date, the addition of a July tour schedule will lead to an 11-month season for these players," the RPA statement added.

"This cannot be avoided unless these players start their domestic season later, which brings into question the need for the season extension.

"All players fully recognise the fundamental role Premiership clubs and Premiership Rugby have played in investing in and creating a thriving domestic league in England since the onset of professional game over 20 years ago.

"Whilst we also acknowledge that the reduction of overlaps between international and domestic rugby is desirable, we do not believe the current proposals are viable.

"It is critical that those playing the game have a full say in how it is run and we look forward to working together with all the game's stakeholders on this issue to ensure that rugby union continues to flourish in England."