English rugby tries to tackle players' welfare amid compressed seasons

England players given time off after internationalsNumber of starts and playing time in Premiership controlledThe Professional Game Board, which incorporates representatives of the Rugby Football Union, Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players Association among others, has outlined initiatives to protect player welfare for the current season and the 2020-21 campaign.England players will be given a one-week break after they have played Italy in the Six Nations on 31 October and a further two weeks off following their return to club rugby in December. Related: Dylan Hartley's alarming England tal…