The Six Nations could be moved to April to create a global season.
World Rugby’s new chairman Bill Beaumont has admitted the event may have to be shifted back in the calendar to help player welfare.
Six Nations chief executive John Feehan has previously said the tournament’s February-March slot is “non-negotiable”, but Beaumont insists change could be on the cards.
Beaumont was sworn into his new role in Dublin on Wednesday, with Agustin Pichot his new deputy.
“The game has changed undoubtedly, and you have got to keep moving,” Beaumont told The Times.
“I think you have got to be prepared to look at (moving the Six Nations). That could well be a solution. Everyone has to take a look at it.”
Southern hemisphere nations want their northern counterparts’ summer tours moved from June to July to minimise disruption to the Super Rugby season.
Top administrators believe a globally-aligned campaign could more easily regulate the number of games leading stars play each year, as scrutiny increases on the overall well-being of rugby’s main protagonists.
Beaumont admitted compromise will be required on all sides for progress.
He said: “I know John (Feehan) will probably be quite reluctant to (move the Six Nations). It’s a question of compromise.”
