World Rugby announces historic agreement on long-term calendar harmony

World Rugby has released details of the post-2019 global calendar, which it says will increase matches between Tier One and Two nations by 39 percent.

As part of the new calendar, the June Test window will be shifted to July, while it also includes provision for Tier One tours to the Pacific Islands, Japan, Canada, USA, Georgia and Romania.

• July window to take place in the first three weeks of the month, comprising three tests (with the exception of the year after Rugby World Cup when SANZAAR unions will host two-test series)
• July window will enable Super Rugby to be completed before the tests, while promoting optimal preparation time for tests
• November window to move forward one week (first three weeks)
• Rugby World Cup window cemented within the calendar, kicking off one week earlier in the second week of September 
• Optimised calendar and window certainty will support the continued growth of the professional club competitions

It was also said that rankings of Tier Two nations will determine if emerging teams at the time are provided with Tier One opportunities based on merit.

The shift will apply from 2020 to 2032 and Rugby’s governing body say that player welfare was behind the changes to the current format.

A statement said: “A major priority for World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont following his election in May 2016, the optimised 2020-32 schedule sets new standards by prioritising rest periods, promoting equity for the sport’s emerging powers and harmonising the relationship between the international and domestic games.”

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.”

World Rugby insist the changes will aid the development of the club game alongside international rugby.