French Rugby Federation vice-president Abdelatif Benazzi says a global season would be “fantastic” for the game.
Benazzi was speaking on the eve of the Six Nations, which kicks off on Thursday.
The European competition is currently held in February and March while the southern hemisphere tournament runs between August and October.
“There could be just a gap of two weeks between the two,” said Benazzi, a former France forward who won 78 caps.
“It could be something fantastic. For the players, for the understanding of the game, for player welfare, as well as for the broadcasters, for harmonisation of the calendar which includes the club leagues.”
Morocco-born Benazzi was appointed FFR deputy in early 2025 and also serves as Six Nations council president.
The 57-year-old’s political roles make him a key power broker in decisions about rugby’s future, beginning with a meeting on 22 February, where the subject of a global calendar will be discussed, as well as moving the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship closer together.
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This season the Six Nations, a tournament dating back more than a century, starts on a Thursday for the first time as French broadcasters wanted to avoid a clash with the Winter Olympic opening ceremony on Friday.
“I think, having worked on it, studied it, the France vs Ireland game, is a bit like Roland Garros or the Champions League,” Benazzi said.
“We would have had the same support even on a Tuesday,” he added. “We anticipated things. We told the supporters early. The stadium will be full.”
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Benazzi also hailed the impact of “genius” Antoine Dupont, who prepares to make his Six Nations return.
The 29-year-old scrumhalf suffered a serious knee injury last March which sidelined him for eight months.
The 2021 World Rugby Player of the Year has become a global name, even securing a sponsorship deal with luxury brand Louis Vuitton, to take the sport beyond its traditional spheres.
“It’s not every decade, but from time to time, you have a genius like that,” Benazzi said. “But he’s a genius who has his feet on the ground, so humble. We need him in rugby, as he reflects what rugby’s about. I’m convinced he will be even better than he was before.”
One big name missing from the France side for this week’s opener is lock Thibaut Flament, unavailable for head coach Fabien Galthie as he accompanies his wife in fertility treatment.
“When I read about it, I had a tear in my eye, as I experienced it myself,” an emotional Benazzi said.
“We had a child, we wanted another, we didn’t succeed. We had five attempts, when I was with my wife the whole time.
“I totally understand his choice, I respect it perfectly.”
– AFP
Photo: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
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