Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby headlines for Friday, June 30.
Six Nations format set to change
Rugby bosses are close to agreeing a move to cut the Six Nations from a seven-week to six-week tournament.
The second fallow week is set to be ditched in order to accommodate a fourth autumn international weekend that will be needed when the planned Nations Championship begins in 2026, the Times report.
That concept will see the northern and southern hemisphere teams face each other three times during the summer and autumn windows, culminating in a Grand final weekend at the end of November.
The cutting of an international week in the middle of the Six Nations has been driven by the powerful French clubs, who are not prepared to give up their best players to international rugby more than they already do.
The likes of Warren Gatland have previously raised concerns over the impact on player welfare condensing the Six Nations could have.
The move to cut the length of the Six Nations and introduce the Nations Championship came a step closer this week when representatives from around the rugby world met in London.
Dragons deal deadline arrives
A deadline for the deal to take the Dragons back into private ownership ends today.
As a condition of the six-year funding framework signed off by the four regions and the Welsh Rugby Union in March, the Dragons were given 90 days to complete a deal that would no longer see them owned by the WRU.
As such, talks have been ongoing between the WRU and a consortium of benefactors led by Dragons chair David Buttress about taking the Rodney Parade side into private ownership, with Friday, June 30,
A heads of terms agreement needs to be signed before this weekend. The due diligence process can come at a later date.
It remains to be seen what happens if the deal can't be done, with the Professional Rugby Board to decide the best course of action.
Scarlets record losses
Scarlets have posted losses of over £1.8m for the financial year ending June 2022.
The latest figures, which cover what the Welsh region has described as an incredibly challenging season", come on the back of the Welsh region posting a £2.4m deficit for the previous 12 months.
The continued effects of the Covid-19 pandemic were cited as a key factor behind the results.
Turnover for the year stood at £13.3m, up from £5.7m in 2021-22, which was when fans were unable to attend games during lockdown.
The region is also continuing to pay off a 20-year £5.5m Covid loan.
Scarlets chairman Simon Muderack said: "Our primary focus this year was to rebuild following the significant impact felt by Covid and put the club in as strong financial footing as possible," added Muderack in the report for the year ending 30 June 2022.
"Together with my regional colleagues and the Welsh Rugby Union a new six-year funding framework was agreed with the WRU and signed in March 23.
"Whilst this new agreement does not take away the financial challenges presented by Covid, it does give us certainty and visibility over funding and cash flow.
"I would like to thank our dedicated directors and benefactors who have agreed to provide a level of financial support and stability to the club as we implement the new agreed funding model."
Tier 2 nations demand more games with elite
Rugby's tier two nations have reiterated their plea for more games against the game's elite.
It comes amid talks over a new world league, which are being held this week.
Representatives from rugby's leading nations are in London to discuss a number of issues around the international calendar, including the extension of the autumn window from three to four weeks. A possible shortening of the Six Nations from seven to six weeks is also believed to be up for discussion.
Moving the Rugby Championship is another possible consideration, ahead of plans for a new world league that would begin in 2026 and include the six countries from the Six Nations, as well as New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Argentina.
Fiji and Japan are also likely to be included.
However, critics claim a new world league will hinder the potential growth of developing nations.
"We have faith World Rugby will bring in developments that are beneficial for the game as a whole and further its development globally,' Georgia Rugby president Soso Tkemaladze told MailSport.
"From a Georgian perspective what we need is further, faster development. Everybody in the game has witnessed our progress over the last few years.
"Our victories over Wales and Italy and the recent successes of our Under-20's send a strong message that when we are granted opportunities, we are good enough to take them.
"We are loyal team players and grateful to World Rugby for the support we have been given. What's clear now is we need more games against tier one opposition.
"That is what we expect and we trust the institution to deliver."
Joyce - Olympics still so special
Jasmine Joyce says appearing at the Olympics remains a special experience, having already represented Team GB in Rio and Toyko.
Joyce qualified for next summer's Paris Games with Great Britain women's sevens side as they won gold at the European Games.
And while she has already appeared at two games in the past, Joyce insists appearing at the games remains a special experience.
"It was obviously really tough in Rio and Tokyo having fourth place, it's probably the worst position to finish," Joyce told the BBC.
"It does still hurt, but we're very much enjoying the moment, enjoying being present and regardless of where you come, it's pretty special to go to not one or two, but three Olympics."
"We're going to have the luxury of being together for two years rather than come together six months prior to an Olympic games.
"It's super special for the nations to come together to compete as one, I'm loving being part of it."
