IRB forum agrees to changes in calendar

London: Rugby's world governing body has recommended adjustments to the international calendar to ensure the growth of the game worldwide although there is no need for major surgery, the IRB said on Friday.

Players need a 10-week break while the importance of the two annual test windows must be increased and Argentina, third at this year's World Cup, should be included in a major tournament, it said at the conclusion of a three-week workshop.

The Integrated Season Forum, held over three days in Woking, England this week, also agreed on a fixed number of 11 tests with automatic release of players by their clubs and more competitions to aid emerging nations. It also settled on a permanent World Cup window of September-October.

"The Forum concluded, after much debate and study, that the existing calendar is still the best vehicle for the game and that with some modifications it will allow plenty of scope for the continued growth of rugby," International Rugby Board chairman Syd Millar said.