Baron ‘open’ on proposed 6 Nations move

Francis Baron, Chief Executive of the Rugby Football Union, has come out in favour of looking closely at moving the 6 Nations back to April and May from its traditional February/March slot.

The accountancy firm, Deloitte and Touche, have been retained by the IRB to examine the impact of such a change and to propose a re-structured Northern Hemisphere season to reduce club v country conflicts.

The thinking is that the club season would be completed earlier and the 6 Nations season would then run into the summer tours.

Apart from any commercial impact this may have on the 6 Nations, there is also the danger of the effect that this will have on the top players, leaving them exhausted towards the end of the season, just when the biggest matches are taking place. Which may have a negative impact on sponsors and broadcasters.

“We are being more positive and open about the need for change than some of our friends in the other northern hemisphere unions. We think there is a big prize to be gained if you can sort out some of these pressure points. We feel it is possible to achieve that”, said Baron.

“I think we have all got to be a bit flexible and be prepared to think ‘there is a greater good here’.

“It seems to us there is some possibility of moving things at the margin. There are scenarios whereby moving those international windows [autumn Tests and the Six Nations] a bit, you can ease the international-versus-club conflict.

“If we can get to that position, that will be a big plus.” said Baron.