Rugby is one of England’s most organised sports and continues to undergo constant change in a bid to retain this badge. The latest is the introduction of new breaks in the season, in an attempt to give players more rest, and allow them to be in tip-top condition when they walk out of the dugout.

In October 2018, the rugby authorities announced a three-season structure, that would see professional rugby players at the top level receive breaks, and several other welfare initiatives.

Beginning 2019/20, players will have a mandatory five-week rest at the end of every season. This will include a fortnight of total rest and three weeks in which they can be actively resting. The offseason will also run for not less than ten weeks, which should include five weeks of rest if there is pre-season training.

A maximum number of matches in which players can be thrust into action has also been set. A player will not play for more than 20 minutes in more than 35 games in one season. The number of full matches a player can take part in has come down to 30 from the previous 32.

Senior team players who are involved in international duty will also be entitled to an extra week of rest. Under this structure, players who will have participated in the World Cup and Lions’ Tour, will have a rest period lasting up to ten weeks in 2020.

This is a big win for players, who have for a while been complaining about the lengthy period of active involvement. Their only loss is the increased length of a rugby season, which will now start in September, and end at the close of June.

By all means, England Rugby continues to lead the way in sports organisation in the country and beyond.