Lions head-coach Warren Gatland says he'd back moving next year's tour of South Africa back to the autumn if it helps to align the global rugby calendar.
Gatland's squad are set to travel to South Africa for their series with the Springboks in July 2021 but there's speculation that the start date may need to move if discussions are successful about changes to the season in the northern and southern hemispheres.
"If we don't do it now we're never going to do it," the former Ireland and Wales boss said on BBC Five Live when asked about the potential calendar alignment.
"A lot of this has been talked about for a long time. If they can't have a consensus when they've basically got a blank sheet of paper to start from, then there's never going to be agreement.
"It's not going to be perfect for everyone. People have got to compromise a bit."
Gatland added that the Lions and South Africa will be accommodating if asked to change their plans by World Rugby in the coming weeks:
"What we are hearing is that there are potentially about four or five scenarios where there could be a shift for the Six Nations, and a shift for the summer tours to October and November, and changing the starting dates of the season.
"I think for us, the Lions, it's just being a little bit flexible. If we have to go back a month or so, then I think we can cope with that.
"If it's the best decision for World Rugby in terms of the global season, we have to be cooperative and smart about that.
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