Jonny Sexton: Backing proposal for global season

They are backing a proposal by the International Rugby Players' Association (IRPA) to move the current June Test programme back to the end of July.

That would allow the Southern Hemisphere-based players to finish the Super Rugby club season first, while those in Europe would start their domestic campaigns later, possibly October.

McCaw said: "If the game's leaders give this idea, or a variation of it, serious consideration it could be a game-changer for professional rugby.

"It would be fantastic to address this long standing season structure debate once and for all, the players and the game would be so much better for it."

Beneficial

Sexton added: "We see this initiative as beneficial for the global games. From a player perspective, we urge our leaders to get in a room together, take a positive attitude and see what can be done."

The IRPA propose that existing windows for World Cups, Six Nations, the Rugby Championship and November Tests would stay the same.

And they believe the Lions would benefit on their tour of New Zealand in 2017 as provincial sides would be able to field their best players.

On their tour of Australia, many top players were held back by their Super 15 clubs.