Rugby cannot overlook contact issues and stoppages undermining game

This is a critical juncture for the sport with a big weekend of series deciders and new fans need to be attracted to the game

HURT: Ireland's Garry Ringrose down injured as Johnny Sexton checks on him. Pic: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

Rugby union’s top guns are preparing for one last mission. That should make this among the sport’s most high profile weekends, with no fewer than four big series deciders taking place on the same day. Not since the 2011 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals weekend in New Zealand has the southern hemisphere simultaneously hosted so many sides with more at stake.

Exciting? Of course. But let’s also not duck the wider reality. Regardless of the series outcomes in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina this is a critical juncture for the sport at all levels. If future generations of fans are to be attracted to the game - and the diehards retained - there are ongoing issues with its premium product that cannot be blithely overlooked.