"Bring back tours!" - Say Wilson, Marshall and Kirwan

Former All Blacks legends Justin marshall, Jeff Wilson and John Kirwan believe a return to the touring system characteristic of the amateur era is the way forward for rugby after COVID-19.

The argument for the reinstatement of the touring system has received more voice in recent years, with many believing that it is a better format for international rugby - with test matches taking place over weekends while provincial and invitational teams of the host nation enjoy a shot at the touring party with mid-week games as well.

 "I look at this as a massive opportunity for not just players but for everyone, fans in particular," Wilson said on New Zealand rugby talk show, The Breakdown, "Surely there would be a hunger to see South Africa come back to New Zealand and play a three-Test series?"

Former All Black winger John Kirwan agreed: 

"When I talk about this I always talk about tribalism and tradition. Why is the Lions so successful? Because we look forward to it. When I was growing up I wanted to go on a grand slam. They actually stopped the grand slams just before I made the team.

"But for me touring for me was amazing. The Test matches were great and you wanted to make the Test match weekends. But midweek and you'd go to [places such as] Llanelli and it was amazing."

Justin Marshall added some interesting points to the argument:

"Let's think about the modern-day player and some of our more established, senior All Blacks.

"It's quite repetitive for them, even the international games. All of a sudden you throw into the mix, like when they (the All Blacks) played Munster a few years ago (in 2007), which was an outstanding success. Those sorts of things are vibrant for the current professional players, who do get a lot of repetition in their rugby."

It is quite possible that going back to tours would throw in an unexpectedly rejuvinating flavour which rugby has lacked of late. While many argue that the professional era has brought us a more skillful game at the expense of rugby's cherished old character and spirit, some experimentation with the 'old ways' might yield a 'best of both worlds'- type scenario.