The biggest issues in rugby are up for debate as Mick Cleary sits down with four leading coaches.

Has it been more difficult coping with player welfare this season because of the demands of the Lions season?

Mark McCall (Saracens) The real issue is the shortness of the pre-season for those players. They had five weeks off but that left them only two to three weeks to get ready, which is not enough. Their playing minutes are OK.

Dai Young (Wasps) I think people underestimate the mental toll on players even if they are not playing. Players need time away from the game to recharge.

Dean Richards (Newcastle) It was probably more problematic for our generation because we didn’t have the wonders of modern science to help with recovery. The understanding of what players need to do for rehab is much greater than it ever was and as a consequence they are far better catered for.