Top players demand three-month close season

Alex Corbisiero is leading the call from the International Rugby Players’ Association to introduce a mandatory three-month rest period, which would lead to significant disruption of the rugby calendar.

The England prop’s demand reflects a growing concern over player welfare.

Most internationals receive only a month off between the end of the summer tour and start of pre-season with their clubs.

In World Cup years, those demands only increase.

Many England players will be lucky to receive more than two weeks off after the Premiership play-offs conclude in May before they are called in…