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Even a current England player has called the RFU's Championship budget cut 'pure garbage'

England's Will Stuart (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

The Rugby Football Union have faced an almighty backlash after announcing on Wednesday it will be slashing its Championship funding by almost half from next season.

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Championship clubs were quick to react, releasing statements that were ultra-critical of the RFU’s decision, and many fans also waged in sharing similar sentiments. 

Current and former players – including Will Stuart, a current member of Eddie Jones’ England squad – were also quite vocal with their disapproval. Many felt it will all but end any side’s hopes of breaking into rugby’s top flight, and that this may actually be the beginning of the Gallagher Premiership becoming ring-fenced.

Former Saracens and USA star Chris Wyles commented on Twitter, saying this is a “terrible move”. The winger won four Premiership titles with Saracens and two Champions Cups, but cited how important his time with Nottingham was earlier in his career, saying it was “crucial in my development- not only as a player but more importantly as a person”. 

Similarly, current England squad member Stuart, who made his Test debut at the start of this month in Paris, tweeted: “The Wild West is getting even wilder. I can’t stress how important my time at @NottinghamRugby was for me. This is pure garbage for lads who put their bodies on the line for already laughable levels of player welfare.”

Fellow Bath prop Christian Judge, who played for Bedford Blues and Cornish Pirates, added: “There are some amazing players and clubs in the Championship, and without it many like myself wouldn’t have had the opportunity to make it to the Premiership.”

These are not the only players to chastise the RFU over this decision, as so many have come through the Championship. In fact, many stats have been shared showing how many of the England team that beat Scotland last weekend have come through or played for Championship clubs, as well as many in the Scotland team as well. 

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https://twitter.com/AlexLewington48/status/1227514703175389184

Current Championship players have also given their opinion on social media, with Doncaster Rovers hooker George Edgson saying, “Unless you’ve played or worked in the Champ, you won’t have a scooby how detrimental this will be.”

https://twitter.com/ohedgyboy/status/1227532034295369728?s=20

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The future will only tell what the impact of this decision will be, but it has not been accepted from those that have benefited from the Championship, which is a significant number of players across the Premiership. 

WATCH: Clubs fear RFU’s savage second-tier funding cut will affect many people’s livelihoods

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Mzilikazi 2 hours ago
Western Force and ACT Brumbies looking for signs of progress in Super Rugby Pacific

It’s good to be at the start of the season, to be tipping the games again. Thanks for the article Brett. An interesting and, for me, informative read, as I have not kept up with all the news of all the teams, really only Qld.


Whatever happens in the search for a new coach for the WB’s, all of Les Kiss, Stephen Larkham and Dan McKellar will be coaching their respective teams this year. I believe Kiss to be the best of the three, and by a significant margin(the bad result against the Chiefs in the playoffs last season the one scar), and that gives Qld., in my view, an extra edge.


I agree, Brett, that Qld. on paper, and on squad strength and experience, look the best bet for Australia. If Tim Ryan builds on last year, he could be a WB starter against the Lions. The locking strength and depth is approaching that of teams like Leinster, Toulouse etc…not as strong ofc, but in Super Rugby circles, yes.


I like the type of game Kiss is building. Really carrying on from where he was rudely interrupted at London Irish, when they fell over. The one game on tour where they beat Ulster was a significant pointer to where they are at. While not a top Ulster unit, it was still a very good team, not easy to beat in Belfast. Sadly the Bristol game was a training run, but still valuable in a way, as the group were touring, building systems and understanding.


One player I will be watching with interest is Finn Hurley at the Highlanders. He was brought to my attention a year ago by the grandson of a friend, who knew him at Otago Boys High in Dunedin. Small, but resilient, with a good boot, from what I have seen on clips, he should have a useful first full year as a Highlander.


Hope the Force do well… have always had a “soft spot” for them. But good luck to all franchises, and pray for no serious injuries….as I have done forever, as aplayer, then coach, and now long retired rugby fanatic 😀

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