#player-participation

#player-participation

"We understand the immense pride that these guys feel for representing their country in that competition," Friedman said. "...Talking to these guys it's just about partnering up with them. Understanding where they're at, what their thoughts are, how we do it the best way. We have designs to play through October so what does that look like in February, March? Just how to balance all of it. "But really good conversations with all those guys, and at the end of the day we are supportive."

It's important to our players. That's why we're doing it. Listen, there are lots of reasons that I'm never thrilled about taking a couple of week break in the season. Changes a lot of things. But on balance, I think it'll be worth it, A) for the exposure, B) for the fan engagement, but C) and most importantly, this is and has always been very important to our players. And that's why we're doing this.

The strategy, called Every Rose: Our Time, includes the goal of becoming the first England team to win back-to-back Rugby World Cups, and getting 100,000 women and girls playing the game across the country by 2030, up from the 60,000 who participate now. English rugby's governing body is also aiming to double its revenues from the women's game to 60m so it can invest more in the grassroots, and to have 3 million Red Roses fans.

"We get to play serious matches on Ashe, in front of packed arenas, and all the best players in the world are going to be playing," Tiafoe said.