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By Zinzan Brooke BBC Sport Online columnist

New Zealand coach John Mitchell made his thoughts known to the rugby-playing fraternity in both the northern and southern hemispheres a fortnight ago.

The former All Black made it clear he wants an overhaul of the current International Rugby Board set-up.

Mitchell calls for rest

High on his agenda is the issue of player demands, the point being to give everyone adequate rest.

His aim is simple - to give players globally November to January off.

But that raises a fresh series of points in itself.

Point one: Three months is a good down time for players, coaches, fans and the game as a whole.

I think we need to draw a clear line, like American Football, with the shop window only open for 12 to 13 weeks.

New Zealand coach John Mitchell
Mitchell wants a global rugby overhaul

Fans see enough quality NFL to leave them enthusiastic and pining for the next season long before it has begun.

Admittedly the visits of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to England this November make the proposed break difficult.

While Australia make for great viewing, it is getting a bit monotonous that they are here every year.

They might be world champions, but I think the greater emphasis will be placed on the All Blacks game.

And that's not only because of my obvious bias for the All Blacks, the fact is they have not toured here since 1997!

Point two: Mitchell's suggestion of a November-to-January break could mean no more Aussie-All Black tours or any autumn Test series for that matter.

When I toured with the All Blacks, we touched the real heart of rugby

Therefore, maybe December to February might pose a better proposition.

Southern hemisphere countries do not play during that time and it is too cold and wet in the northern hemisphere anyway.

Point three: Time needs to be found to put long tours back on the agenda - encompassing eight to 13 games - as the development of young players on tour is crucial.

The reason being is that, when I toured with the All Blacks, we went into the smaller regions and little towns and touched the real heart of rugby.

And that means rugby reaches the people that really care about the game.

Millar calls for shorter Lions tours

Point four: Space on the rugby calendar could be freed up by the Tri-Nations being overhauled and the teams playing each other just once.

For them to balance their books, they need to play a lot more games

That could then leave the window open for a northern-southern hemisphere clash, a Barbarians game or a contest between the Super 12 winners and the Premiership champions.

As well as entertaining spectators, these games could be used to aid charities or fund players left with permanent disabilities from the game.

Point five: Finally, simply put, northern hemisphere rugby players are contracted to their clubs first and foremost.

The clubs are not funded in the same way as their southern-hemisphere rivals and, for them to balance their books, they need to play a lot more games.

And therein another final hurdle to overcome for any proposed global break.


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