Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall has called for coaches to be given a central role in discussions over the length of the Premiership season, as players consider strike action over plans to extend the campaign to 10 months from 2019-20.
Premiership Rugby intends to run the domestic season from September to the end of June, but McCall believes those at the sharp end should have a say. 'It would seem to be sensible to talk to all the parties who can contribute to the debate,' he said. 'Directors of rugby should definitely be involved, the players as well.'
Saracens captain Brad Barritt said no player wanted a 10-month campaign. 'Everyone has their take on it and what is universal is that no one wants to extend the length of the season,' he said. 'I understand the debate to have the Premiership as strong as possible and the only way that could happen is if they reduced the number of games.'
Gloucester director of rugby David Humphreys highlighted the impact on player welfare, noting his side had 15 players unavailable through injury for a recent match. 'Player welfare has to be the priority,' he said. 'We cannot have them leaving the game at 21, 22 or 23 because they are injured.'
England captain Dylan Hartley said the current situation differed from the players' strike in 2000, adding that he would not comment further until concrete proposals were put forward.
