England captain Dylan Hartley says the extended club season being proposed by Premiership Rugby is "not welcome" among players.
The umbrella organisation for the 12 Aviva Premiership clubs wants to establish a structure that lasts 10 months running from September to June as part of negotiations for the new global calendar, which is to take effect from August 2020.
With summer tours moved to July it means that internationals will face an 11-month season, prompting England stars Billy Vunipola, Ben Youngs and Joe Marler to declare that they regard strike action as a viable option if their voices are not heard.
Hartley, the most senior player to have spoken on the issue, insists opposition to the proposal is the consensus view.
"I can't obviously speak for every player, but the general feeling is that an extended season is not welcome," Hartley said.
"Player welfare is paramount, both mental and physical. I don't know the answers, but I can see both sides.
"The season is relentless and there is always another big game around the corner. When you lose, you've got to move on pretty sharpish.
"The games come thick and fast and if you're an international player your focus shifts to that, then back to your club again. So the mental side of player welfare is so important."