Ben Earl has publicly urged the rugby authorities to reconsider the format of the Nations Championship after England endured what he described as a "brutal" itinerary that forced the side to play three Test matches on three different continents in three consecutive weekends. The England squad, under the guidance of head coach Steve Borthwick, wrapped up a grueling 25,000‑mile July tour with a hard‑won victory over Argentina on Saturday. Those two wins have kept England in contention for a place in the inaugural competition’s final, which is set to be staged at Allianz Stadium on 29 November. The triumph against the Pumas in Santiago del Estero, however, came under less than ideal circumstances.
Players were visibly fatigued from a relentless travel schedule that left them sleep‑deprived and forced the coaching staff to trim the usual training programme in order to allow for recovery. In addition, the significant time‑zone shift added another layer of difficulty, as the squad had to adjust their internal clocks while still preparing for a high‑stakes encounter.
Earl highlighted that this itinerary was the toughest any nation has faced this month, and it proved especially taxing for England’s British and Irish Lions alumni – including himself, Ellis Genge and Ollie Chessum – who had already endured a demanding tour of Australia the previous summer. Over the span of just under four weeks, the group completed four long‑haul flights and four short‑haul hops, a travel burden that sparked extensive conversation inside the camp. "It’s been brutal, there’s no two ways about it," Earl said in a candid interview.
"We’ve been talking about it – why not have all the games in a single country? That way you eliminate the constant travelling and you get that festival atmosphere in one place." He went on to imagine a more consolidated format: "You could go to Australia, South Africa or wherever, and have a whole week of rugby in one nation.
How cool would that be?" He stressed that he is not involved in the decision‑making process, but he felt the current set‑up placed an undue strain on the players, especially after what has already been a long season for many of them. "It’s been tough coming at the end of what’s been a pretty long season for most of us," Earl continued.
"We’re constantly shuttling back to England, seeing our families for a few days and then heading off again. It feels a bit odd, but it’s something we’ll have to get used to because I think this is just the beginning of a new era of international rugby." The criticism from Earl adds to a growing chorus of voices within the sport questioning whether the Nations Championship, in its current incarnation, is sustainable for players who already juggle club commitments, international duties and, for some, Lions tours. The logistical challenges of moving a full squad, support staff, equipment and medical teams across three continents in a short time frame cannot be underestimated. Fatigue, disrupted sleep patterns and limited preparation time are all factors that can affect performance on the field and increase the risk of injury.
Supporters of the existing format argue that the global nature of the competition showcases the sport to a wider audience and provides fans in different regions with the chance to see top‑level rugby live. They also point out that the financial benefits of broadcasting rights and ticket sales are vital for the growth of the game.
Nonetheless, the player welfare argument is gaining momentum, especially as more athletes speak out about the toll that constant travel takes on their bodies and mental health. In response to Earl’s comments, Rugby England’s management has acknowledged the concerns but has not yet committed to any immediate changes. They have indicated that a review of the schedule will be undertaken after the tournament concludes, with input from coaches, players and medical experts.
The governing bodies of the participating nations are also expected to convene a working group to examine possible alternatives, such as regional clusters of matches or a more extended calendar that spreads games over a longer period. If the schedule is adjusted, it could lead to a more balanced competition where teams have sufficient recovery time between fixtures, reducing the likelihood of fatigue‑related injuries and allowing coaches to implement more comprehensive training sessions.
It could also create a more cohesive narrative for fans, as a single‑host model would enable a festival‑like atmosphere, with multiple matches taking place in one city or country over a concentrated period. Until any official decisions are made, England will continue to focus on preparing for the upcoming fixtures, aiming to secure a spot in the final at Allianz Stadium. The squad’s resilience in the face of a punishing travel itinerary has already demonstrated their professionalism and determination.
As Earl and his teammates navigate the challenges of a demanding schedule, their experiences may well shape the future structure of the Nations Championship, ensuring that the competition remains both exciting for supporters and sustainable for the athletes who bring it to life.