THE Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) said yesterday that they want to implement a combined 14-week break and pre-season to protect members from the growing demands of the game.

Next month is shaping up to be a pivotal month in negotiations over the new global calendar, with the RPA meeting on November 6 to hammer out its position before the Professional Game Board convenes three weeks later to discuss all proposals.

Premiership Rugby stated in March that the new domestic schedule would run from September to June and international tours would be pushed back to July, creating a strongly opposed 11-month season for England stars.