Big decisions to be made by World Rugby regarding a global season

France is currently the only country where rugby is turning a profit, at least at provincial level. While many will argue that their leagues are the best, it is hard to go against the French who weekly sell out stadiums at provincial level.

Unlike football, international rugby is where the money is at as unions/clubs continue to be maintained by that finance. This does not just hamper the top sides either as it makes it difficult for World Rugby to really focus on growing the sport in tier two and three nations.

For years a global calendar season has been discussed, or at least thrown around, but not much has come of it. The reality is a global season won't sort out all the issues faced by the sport, but it will alleviate some of the pressures, most notably on the players.

South Africa, as an example, is probably in their best period of success since readmission into the sport. They have also successfully transcended the traditional Northern/Southern Hemisphere.

After being kicked out or leaving (it depends on who you speak to) of Super Rugby post COVID-19, South Africa moved north to join the then Pro14. In truth, South Africa had two sides in the Pro14 for three seasons while in Super Rugby, and it proved valuable.

It was then agreed that the Pro 14 will become the United Rugby Championship, consisting of sides from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy and South Africa.

There was much criticism, particularly around the amount of travel involved, but the league has been a major success, continuously breaking attendance and viewership records.

The Welsh Unions remain displeased as they'd prefer an Anglo-Welsh league with the Premiership as this will give them more direct rivals. That's a story for another day, though.

While the league has been a success on and off the pitch, South Africa still faces a number of problems. They now play provincial rugby from September to April, then have the June internationals, followed by the Rugby Championship, which runs concurrently with the Currie Cup.

The final of the Currie Cup in 2024 was played on the same weekend of the URC kicking off. Then, the international tours North take place in October/November.

This is not a sustainable model for players. Indeed, there are dedicated rest periods for international players, but that doesn't change the fact that rugby is played 11 months a year.

The global season, if it ever happens, will have to fall into line with the Northern Hemisphere. That is where the money is in rugby and the New Zealand and Australian franchises will have to fit in.

The game is already struggling in Australia as they try to compete with Rugby League and other codes. New Zealand are struggling to retain players as well, with more and more seeking the riches of Europe or Japan.

The only way around this is go create a global season, that much is clear.

Perhaps we will see some major changes to tournaments. In an ideal world, a World Club Championship would be ideal, to replace something like the European Champions Cup. The best sides from all over, including New Zealand and Australia participate.

Perhaps, like the World Cup, this could take place every four years in one country. It can't take place in the manner of the Champions Cup currently as time zones and travel distance would be a nightmare.

Whatever the solutions, World Rugby have a few big calls to make moving forward. As a sport, Rugby Union may be in its best phase since it turned professional, but financially it is suffering in more places than it doesn't.

Change is needed, change is surely coming. The only questions is - will the right decisions be made in the interest of the game?