Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu has expressed concerns that the current international rugby calendar is unsustainable, warning that the newly implemented Nations Championship could exacerbate player burnout and increase the risk of injuries.
The expanded tournament, which pits teams from the northern and southern hemispheres against each other, commenced this weekend with Scotland facing Argentina in Cordoba. The team is also scheduled to play South Africa in Pretoria and Fiji in Edinburgh as part of their summer fixtures.
This new format is designed to create more competitive tension during the autumn series of matches. However, players and coaches have voiced apprehension about the demanding schedule and the added pressure it places on athletes.
According to guidelines from the International Rugby Players' Association, developed in collaboration with World Rugby, players should ideally not exceed 30 matches per season. Tuipulotu himself played 29 games for Scotland and his club, Glasgow Warriors, last season, following a demanding tour with the British and Irish Lions. Many players participating in the Nations Championship are expected to surpass the 30-game threshold.
"There's a lot to be said about the amount of rugby going on," Tuipulotu stated. "I'm not too sure I agree with the amount of rugby going on and how sustainable it really is. That's just my honest truth as a player. I'm sure worldwide a lot of players, particularly the ones playing in Europe, will agree with me."
He noted that numerous players, including teammates like Tom Jordan and Finn Russell, and players in European leagues such as Ben White at Toulon, have played extensive schedules in recent seasons. "So it's not just myself who's played a lot of rugby. There's a lot of us here that have played a lot of rugby and that's the way the calendar sits," he added.
Tuipulotu also highlighted the increased travel demands of the current tour compared to traditional summer tours, which typically involve less extensive travel between matches. Scotland's itinerary includes flights to Argentina, then to South Africa, before returning to Scotland to face Fiji. Similar travel schedules face England, Ireland, and Wales.
"I'll be completely honest, it's always in the back of my mind being away from my family," Tuipulotu said. "I think if you ever gave me the choice where I'd rather be (at this time of year), I would always choose with my family. Especially with my partner being six to seven months pregnant. She's battling through it back home and I'm here playing rugby. You do carry that guilt with you."
Despite these personal sacrifices, Tuipulotu emphasized his commitment to representing Scotland. "But playing for Scotland is my pride and joy and captaining Scotland is my pride and joy. What we've built here over the last, particularly over the last 18 months, makes me so proud. I don't ever feel as happy playing sport as I do playing for Scotland and playing with this group. So to get more opportunities to play for Scotland, I will always take it as my job."
He acknowledged the unique opportunities presented by the schedule, such as playing Argentina in Argentina and the Springboks in South Africa, experiences that are rare for Scottish players. "I'm getting older as well and I just want to relish as many opportunities as I can. I think we all are."