SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer says the clamour for a unified global season cannot be ignored.
SA Rugby is one of the strongest proponents of a calendar that would align competitions and international windows across the northern and southern hemispheres.
While the concept has been debated for years, Oberholzer says momentum is finally building.
“In the past, when we last spoke seriously about it, New Zealand was probably the biggest challenge. Australia is on board,” Oberholzer said on the Rapport Praat Sport podcast. “I think New Zealand now also understands there are more solutions and positives than negatives in changing the seasons.
“The French Top 14, the English Premiership, the URC and others are now involved,” he added. “The group talking about one season has grown so big that it can’t be ignored.”
MORE: Global season finally in sight?
According to French publication Midi Olympique, a World Rugby meeting will take place in London during the Six Nations where a global calendar will be one of the central topics of discussion. Proposals include aligning the Rugby Championship and Six Nations into the same window, supported by a reworked Test schedule.
Oberholzer said a global season would benefit player welfare and competitive balance.
“You buy time and improve rest periods for players. For South Africa, with one foot in the north, it works fantastically.”
While a realignment of the global calendar following the 2027 World Cup in Australia is the ideal target, Oberholzer acknowledged the shift may take longer.
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