Irish players reject Six Nations squeeze plans in overwhelming numbers

Ireland’s professional rugby players are coming forward in overwhelming numbers against any proposal to squeeze the Six Nations, currently played over a seven-week period, into a smaller corner of the global calendar.

Somewhere between 75% and 80% of those who have replied to a survey by Rugby Players Ireland — the new name for what was the Irish Rugby Players Association — have expressed a preference for maintaining the status quo which sees the five games played over a seven-week period.

Though the ballot is not yet completed, the overall picture emerging seems clear.