Kiwi rugby players apparently have cause to feel a sense of relief, as World Rugby has taken steps to compose a world calendar that takes the competition through 2032.
One of the changes is that Super Rugby will not be interrupted during the season, although that change might prove moot in the not too distant future unless Super Rugby can find the means of staying afloat.
The new calendar takes effect in 2020, with Super Rugby wrapping before the international break, which will now be in July. In years following a World Cup, there will be two international tests, three in years with no World Cup.
The new arrangement has the support of New Zealand Rugby, SANZAAR and the International Rugby Players’ Association.
Expectations are that the new schedule will supply some certainty and the sort of sustainability that the current schedule does not afford.
Beginning in February of 2020, Super Rugby will play from start to finish. In July, the All Blacks will play two or three tests against touring sides, including tier two nations. From August to September, Rugby Championship will be played, along with the Mitre 10 Cup running from August to October.
From November until the following season, end of year tours will take place.