Pieter-Steph du Toit has supported a set of basic player principles which International Rugby Players say should form part of a future global season.

The player body formulated the principles last year, after plans for the proposed Nations Championship were scrapped.

They were again discussed when the organisation’s general executive and players’ council met last month, with the issue of a global season still firmly on the agenda.

Springbok and Stormers flank Du Toit threw his support behind the idea for a global season.

‘One of the things that was lost in the mix last year during the Nations Championship debate was that players are actually in favour of a proper global season that works for everyone.

‘But we’re against anything that burns players out, excludes emerging nations and doesn’t grow the game. These principles are a sound basis from which to start the discussion and of course we expect the players’ view to be properly considered from the outset of any talks.’

The focus of the players’ principles is on ensuring that all tournaments include:

• An equal playing field with more meaningful matches for emerging nations, with a view to removing the current tier system and allowing the game to grow
• An optimal match, training and travel load which protects the physical and mental well-being of players, allowing them to consistently perform at their best
• A balance between club and country, ensuring that clubs adhere to Regulation 9 and that players don’t feel compromised when leaving their clubs for international duty
• A commercially viable model that allows players to be paid a fair revenue share
• A competition that works for the fans

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