Wednesday 20 September 2017 15:23, UK
The Rugby Football Union is to consider proposals to allow England and France a delayed start to the Six Nations, in order to improve the welfare of players.
Aviva Premiership clubs have tabled an idea that would see only Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Italy open the tournament on the first weekend, with England and France entering the campaign one week later.
The English and French sides would then face each other on the third weekend, which has routinely been a rest week since 2000.
Premiership Rugby has long been in favour of reducing the international competition from seven to six weeks, in order to help ease disruption to the domestic seasons, along with preventing fatigue in top players.
Should the measure be approved, it would not be introduced until after the end of the Rugby World Cup in Japan in two years' time.
