Saracens and England star Billy Vunipola has warned that players could go on strike unless there is a reduction in the number of games top rugby teams are forced to play during the season.
The 24-year-old -- who underwent surgery on his knee and shoulder over the summer -- returns to action this weekend as Saracens take on Newcastle on US soil.
It will be his first game since Saracens' defeat at the hands of reigning champions Exeter in last season's Aviva Premiership semi final.
Although surgeries cost Vunipola his place in the British and Irish Lions squad which toured New Zealand earlier this summer, the hard hitting No.8 said they were necessary as he was "worn down" by gruelling domestic and international campaigns.
Claiming that the game's governing bodies did not seem to understand the impact that the busy schedule can have on players, Vunipola suggested that strike action might be the only way to confront the issue.
"Everyone complains that they keep pushing the salary cap up but we need more players," he told The Times. "It's not about money, it's about the toil we're put through.
"Something is going to give. Something might happen where we follow the NFL or NBA, where they had a lock-out. I'm not saying I'm going to start it, but I feel like something needs to happen for the suits to realise these guys are serious.
"It comes down to how much we play. My body could not handle it. I might think I'm strong and tough but I'm not. I just got worn down.
"The suits are always talking about it but they have never played nine months in today's rugby. It's something I would love to change - play less."