World Rugby has today announced changes to the schedule of international test matches between 2020-2032.
Chairman Bill Beaumont was elected on the promise to harmonise the calender and do more to promote tier two nations.
Some of the big changes include:
1. The creation of a July window to take place in the first three weeks of the month, comprising three Tests (with the exception of the year after the Rugby World Cup when SANZAAR unions will host two-Test series).
2. The November window to move forward one week.
3. The SANZAAR Unions committed to hosting tier two nations in July window.
4. Georgia and Romania to host matches against Six Nations unions within the July window.
5. Six Nations unions to collectively host a guaranteed minimum of six tier two fixtures in each November window.
World Rugby announces agreement on global calendar beyond 2019: #RWC2019 https://t.co/vkdQfEtABb pic.twitter.com/NueLuzLRWu
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) March 16, 2017
Speaking at the announcement, Beaumont said: "Agreement on an optimised global calendar that provides certainty and sustainability over the decade beyond Rugby World Cup 2019 represents an historic milestone for the global game.
"But more than that, this agreement has player welfare and equity at heart, driving certainty and opportunities for emerging rugby powers and laying the foundations for a more compelling and competitive international game, which is great for unions, players and fans.
"This process has been complex and there was no silver bullet. Compromise has been achieved by all stakeholders in the spirit of collaboration and I would like to thank my union and professional league colleagues for their full contribution and commitment to reaching an agreement that will ultimately benefit the whole game."
The full list of changes can be read here.
📽 Bill Beaumont, Steve Tew, Bill Pulver & Agustin Pichot talk about the positive changes made to the international calendar 🙌ðŸ‰ðŸ—“ pic.twitter.com/Ij3EMJxMh0
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) March 16, 2017
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