Premiership Rugby has announced that the 2023-24 season will include an eight-week break during the Six Nations tournament, ensuring that England’s top players will be available for more of their clubs’ fixtures. This move aims to address the issue of several England players missing a significant portion of the Premiership last season due to international commitments.
In the previous season, the 2023 Six Nations took place between February 4 and March 18, overlapping with four rounds of the Premiership. To avoid a similar situation in the future, the upcoming season will begin on October 13, with Bristol Bears facing Leicester Tigers. Reigning champions Saracens will commence their title defense away at Exeter Chiefs a day later.
However, the start of the season will coincide with the knockout stages of the rugby World Cup, which begin on October 14. It remains to be seen how this clash will impact both competitions.
The season will pause after the completion of round 12 on January 28 and will resume with round 13 on March 23. The 2024 Six Nations is scheduled to take place from February 2 to March 16.
Furthermore, the Premiership has also introduced a Derby Weekend in November, with all clubs having one home fixture during the opening two weeks of the season. Additionally, clubs will each have one home fixture over rounds nine and 10, allowing fans to enjoy the festivities of the Christmas period.
Rob Calder, chief growth officer at Premiership Rugby, expressed his satisfaction with the optimized calendar for the 2023-24 season, ensuring that Premiership Rugby remains at the heart of English rugby. He highlighted the delight of fans being able to support their teams during the opening two rounds of the season and come together as families to attend matches during Christmas.
It is worth noting that the new season will feature only 10 teams, as London Irish, Wasps, and Worcester have been excluded from the English Premiership due to financial struggles.
In conclusion, the forthcoming Premiership Rugby season will undergo some significant changes to address the issue of test players missing club fixtures due to international commitments. With an eight-week break during the Six Nations tournament, clubs will have their key players available for a larger portion of the season. The introduction of a Derby Weekend and the emphasis on home fixtures during specific rounds will also add excitement and enjoyment for both fans and players alike. As the countdown to the 2023-24 season begins, rugby enthusiasts eagerly anticipate a thrilling and action-packed campaign.
