Maro Itoje makes England vow amid rebel league reports

The reports suggest the lure of money – with 40 £1m-a-season contracts reportedly on offer for marquee players – and greater periods of rest, will attract big names.

The English Premiership currently has an 18-round regular season, with post-season play-offs and European action adding to player schedules. The French Top 14 has even higher demands with 26 regular-season games for each club.

While a new global tournament would be staged away from international windows, the different selection policies of each nation would affect whether those involved could play Test rugby.

Five of South Africa’s starting XV in their win over England on Saturday play their club rugby in Japan, with coach Rassie Erasmus free to select players from around the globe.

However, New Zealand and Ireland, like England, only select players playing in their domestic league, meaning that any players who join a rebel league would be ineligible under current policy.

Wales and Australia have less stringent restrictions on overseas players coming into their national set-up.