Just when you thought the rugby calendar was packed tighter than a scrum, Abdelatif Benazzi, the vice-president of the French Rugby Federation, tossed in a game-changer on the eve of the Six Nations. Imagine, he says, a mere fortnight separating the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship. "It could be something fantastic," Benazzi muses, with stars in his eyes for a global season that syncs north with south, benefiting everyone from players to punters.
The idea is to streamline the rugby schedule, currently split with the Six Nations lighting up European fields in February and March, while the southern hemisphere's counterpart stretches from August to October. "For the players, for the understanding of the game, for player welfare, as well as for the broadcasters, for harmonisation of the calendar which includes the club leagues," Benazzi, a former France forward with 78 caps to his name, explains the vision.
This isn't just idle chatter. The 57-year-old, who also chairs the Six Nations council, is gearing up for a pivotal meeting on February 22nd where the global calendar will be a hot topic. Plus, there's also talk of nudging the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship closer on the calendar.
"I think, having worked on it, studied it, the France vs Ireland game, is a bit like Roland Garros or the Champions League,"
Benazzi compares, confident that the shift to a Thursday start—a first in the tournament's storied century-plus history—won't dampen spirits. French broadcasters wanted to dodge a scheduling conflict with the Winter Olympic opening ceremony, and it seems the rugby faithful are all in. "We anticipated things. We told the supporters early. The stadium will be full," he assures.
Benazzi is not just looking at schedules and broadcasts; he's also thrilled about players like Antoine Dupont, the scrumhalf whose brilliance on the field is matched by his humility off it. Returning from an eight-month hiatus due to a knee injury, Dupont is ready to dazzle again. "It’s not every decade, but from time to time, you have a genius like that," Benazzi remarks.
While the French team will miss the services of lock Thibaut Flament in the opener—sidelined as he supports his wife through fertility treatment—Benazzi empathizes deeply, having faced similar challenges himself. "When I read about it, I had a tear in my eye," he shares, his voice heavy with emotion. "I totally understand his choice, I respect it perfectly."
With such a mix of high stakes, high drama, and high hopes, this season’s Six Nations promises to be more than just a series of matches; it's a glimpse into the future of rugby itself.
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Just when you thought the rugby calendar was packed tighter than a scrum, Abdelatif Benazzi, the vice-president of the French Rugby Federation, tossed in a game-changer on the eve of the Six Nations. Imagine, he says, a mere fortnight separating the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship. "It could be something fantastic," Benazzi muses, with stars in his eyes for a global season that syncs north with south, benefiting everyone from players to punters.
The idea is to streamline the rugby schedule, currently split with the Six Nations lighting up European fields in February and March, while the southern hemisphere's counterpart stretches from August to October. "For the players, for the understanding of the game, for player welfare, as well as for the broadcasters, for harmonisation of the calendar which includes the club leagues," Benazzi, a former France forward with 78 caps to his name, explains the vision.
This isn't just idle chatter. The 57-year-old, who also chairs the Six Nations council, is gearing up for a pivotal meeting on February 22nd where the global calendar will be a hot topic. Plus, there's also talk of nudging the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship closer on the calendar.
"I think, having worked on it, studied it, the France vs Ireland game, is a bit like Roland Garros or the Champions League,"
Benazzi compares, confident that the shift to a Thursday start—a first in the tournament's storied century-plus history—won't dampen spirits. French broadcasters wanted to dodge a scheduling conflict with the Winter Olympic opening ceremony, and it seems the rugby faithful are all in. "We anticipated things. We told the supporters early. The stadium will be full," he assures.Benazzi is not just looking at schedules and broadcasts; he's also thrilled about players like Antoine Dupont, the scrumhalf whose brilliance on the field is matched by his humility off it. Returning from an eight-month hiatus due to a knee injury, Dupont is ready to dazzle again. "It’s not every decade, but from time to time, you have a genius like that," Benazzi remarks.
While the French team will miss the services of lock Thibaut Flament in the opener—sidelined as he supports his wife through fertility treatment—Benazzi empathizes deeply, having faced similar challenges himself. "When I read about it, I had a tear in my eye," he shares, his voice heavy with emotion. "I totally understand his choice, I respect it perfectly."
With such a mix of high stakes, high drama, and high hopes, this season’s Six Nations promises to be more than just a series of matches; it's a glimpse into the future of rugby itself.