Are the RFU players asked to play too many games?

The hottest debate happening right now is a number of games professional RFU players have to play each season. The Rugby Football Union are in talks about increasing the length of a season and many players have spoken out about their serious concerns the extra workload will have on their bodies. It looks like talks will continue for a bit longer than anticipated due to the backlash and BetVictor sports betting site are even taking bets on if the season will be extended or not.
The latest player to speak out is Joe Marier the Harlequins prop. The RFU have promised that they will involve the players in the discussions after talks of a possible strike taking place to stop the season extension.
One of the main problems is the top players are expected to play top-level domestic and international matches. The combination of playing both is already a huge amount of punishment the body needs to take and the players are worried adding to the workload could result in serious damage.
Premier Rugby started the talks about the possible extension of the domestic campaign with it kicking off the season in September. The reason behind talks is to try to coincide with the global season restructuring happening in two years. Detailed plans have not yet been released as a number of problems need to be overcome if it is to happen. With the players not happy about the possible changes, it will greatly impact the outcome.
Players feel that the RFU are putting their welfare at risk and it is understandable why they would think this. Rugby is one of the most physical sports in the world and put huge demands on a player’s body. Adding to the workload will be too much for most to take and it could result in many getting serious injuries ending their careers.
Premier Rugby are looking for solutions to appease the players and they have promised that players capped for England 32 will not play any additional matches to what is already taking place. They have also stated that compensatory periods for rest will take place during the campaign if it started in September until June.
The players are still not convinced even with the extra measures in place. They feel that the season will be too long and would like to stick with the currently scheduled. The players are already at their limits and it is going to take skilled negotiation to get a deal done.
It looks likely that the battle between the Premier Rugby and players will continue for the next few months. Compromise needs to be made by both sides but it is vital that whatever the decision the players welfare is the number one concern and not the bottom line. Players are getting bigger, the sport is getting faster and more needs to be done to make sure the best possible care and extending the season length is not the right way to go about it.