RFU backs reduction of Premiership to 10 teams
Bill Sweeney has thrown the Rugby Football Union’s support behind a 10-team Premiership to help solve the sport’s financial crisis.
RFU chief executive Sweeney has insisted the governing body is still committed to the long-mooted global calendar, signalling the “major priority” of resolving fixture clashes between club and country.
Sweeney has predicted any changes on a slimmed-down English top flight would not come into force until the 2024-25 season.
The RFU and Premiership Rugby are already in talks over the Professional Game Agreement (PGA), even though the existing terms do not expire until June 2024.
Sweeney admitted the RFU has precious few short-term fixes for either stricken clubs Worcester or Wasps – but insisted the financial crisis must spark a major overhaul of the English game.
Asked if a reduced, 10-team Premiership could be an answer, Sweeney said: “I do see it as viable for a number of reasons, and we’ve been saying for quite some time now that less is more.
“I don’t know if 10 is the absolute number but that’s the one being used now, but in that and the central distribution around broadcast and commercial revenues, clearly there’s a financial benefit for less teams in that league.
“Clearly one of the major issues we’ve got to grapple with is the calendar.
“And one of the things that’s held us back in England is the overlap between the international game and the club game.
“So a reduction in the size of PRL (Premiership Rugby Limited) will help us with that.
“There is no plan to expand international matches, the conversations around the global season will not increase the number of international Tests played.
“But reducing that overlap between club and country, again, we believe is a fundamental part of improving the narrative and product around the club game, which hopefully will then stimulate growth across match day revenue, broadcast value, and so on.
“I don’t think there are any short-term measures we can take, and we are seeing the effects of a system that’s been broken for quite some time.
“And we don’t have financial transparency on those other clubs.
“The sort of time-frame we’re looking at to effect this is 2024-25, which is after the current PGA.
“But we’re looking to set the foundation, set the course to really sort out the English game for the long-term.
“We’ve been in conversation now for around six months on PGA, we started that early even though that agreement doesn’t expire until June 2024. We’re having daily meetings, discussions around that.
“Solving the club and Test match clashes is a major priority; the degree of overlap at the moment doesn’t help anybody.
“Fans want to see their marquee players playing for their clubs, and England fans want to see England players able to perform at their very best.
“Therefore deconflicting that international calendar is a key consideration for us.
“Match and minute limits will only come under more pressure. So taking this approach will help us achieve those two things.”
Sweeney believes improved governance and more robust regulation – including forcing financial transparency from clubs – can set rugby back on track.
“Now is the time to be brave, be bold, but it’s a time also for cool heads,” said Sweeney.
“Players need to have a strong voice in this and full consultation too.
“I personally believe we will come through this stronger and in better shape and we will get through it. I don’t see it as the demise of our game over the longer-term.
“There’s been real frustration and anger, and that’s totally understandable.
“But the words will mean very little to the players and people affected at clubs if we don’t actually use this situation to make the necessary changes to protect the game going forward.
“Under the French model of greater financial transparency, we would have known about a situation like Worcester or Wasps before the season starts.
“And then it’s up to us to say ‘look we think you’re in a precarious position and we’re here to protect you’.
“In France they will force a reduced salary cap on one club alone.
“So we need greater governance and regulatory control allow you to make changes.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Let’s make them both Capt. I think we'd get the best of both of them and it would help alleviate some of the pressures of the role. They'd have to confer over on field decisions which should lead to “ learnings “ for both. They are our two best consistent performers.
16 Go to commentsOur best player by far..but not a good Captain..poor tactician cost the AB'S and Canes games by not taking the easy points and going for tries when the lineouts were a shambles..can he read a game? And his throat slitting gesture should disqualify him from the AB Captaincy..it is not the appropriate behaviour of an AB Captain.
16 Go to commentsForget what was said or how many players said it. TONY BROWN IS THE NEW ATTACK COACH. That’s the only story worth freaking out over. The springboks are going to grow their game an awful lot over the next cycle and it’s not just the 19 disgustingly arrogant Irish players who refused to shake Ebens hand and said “see you in the final if you can cheat your way past France” who will find that out first hand.
121 Go to commentsOn one hand I think it's a bit ridiculous that this gar into the season and with only 2 wins the Crusaders may make the finals. On the other hand if it was only top 4 or 5, then that last several weeks may be mainly dead rubbers. Nope, 8th place after round robin shouldn't be able to lift the trophy.
2 Go to commentsI do think the media in NZ treated him badly. Sam is a legend. He is humble, a great rugby mind and leader. What happened in the final could happen to anyone. The margins is so fine these days. I lay blame at the feet of the coaching staff and NZ rugby. The stats tell’s all. The AB’s was the worst disciplined side in the WC with more red and yellow cards than anyone else. Problem is NZ rugby is not training their players to play safer. And thats the danger a fast game brings. More yellow and red cards. But Sam Cane in my eye was and still is a great ambassador for the game, that just had a stroke of bad luck.
5 Go to commentsI hope Jim and co. Add this to their list of icebreaker questions they can ask all their guests going forward. So we can eventually hear what everyone thinks about this subject. “What do you think Ireland meant…”
121 Go to commentsHe’s a dominant personality. That might be both a good and bad thing in team dynamics. Certainly it ruined Smith’s first crack at 10 with Owen at 12. BTW, Bristol flatter to deceive. When things really matter, they tend to deliver less rather than more. Farrell would have been good for them
36 Go to commentsGot a lot of over the top abuse from Crusader fans, in particular, who thought every 7 they had was miles better. Now we will see if anyone is better? Laid his body on the line every game so finishing early makes sense. A lot of life left after rugby.
5 Go to commentsA poor decision to appoint Carley as not only is Pearce a better referee but also importantly speaks French.
2 Go to commentsHe is 100 % on the mark. Malicious arrogance with a lack of respect for the other teams mostly the south. they must learn from True rugby nations like the Boks and Kiwis
121 Go to commentsThis Outiniqua boy has played sublime rugby and deserves a spot in BI LIONS team. Well played son
4 Go to commentsI don’t like to see players miss big matches but this ban looks to be tailored to allow him to compete in the final. In principle a suspension for a very dangerous tackle in a semi should warrant missing the relevant final. Done now. One the flip side having both teams with very strong squads/teams available for the final will add to the occassion hopefully.
1 Go to commentsTalent to burn and a huge engine..hope he gets a shot at higher honours
2 Go to commentsIf anything like his dad he has a bright future, Soane was the best ball carrying props ive ever seen using a combination of pace power and footwork.
1 Go to commentsThose who saw Sharks vs Clermont and Ox N'Che vs Rabah Slimani should have a good idea of the best scrumagers… May be not the best props…
2 Go to commentsIt's been an unusual era of unpopular, highly competitive, domineering, fairly big fly halves in the home nations with Farrell, Sexton and Biggar. Russell is different in personality and player I think. I'd rank Sexton first of the three because he is just as good a game controller but also has a great passing game. And his competitiveness never seems to cause problems with refs.
36 Go to commentsThank goodness he wasn't born in Scotland, he'd have been a great candidate for the Scottish Barbarians. I wouldn't put it past them to push for a “where the player was conceived” rule 😂
2 Go to commentsOwen Farrell is one of the most polarising figures in the game. His entire attitude on the field (and sometimes off of it) smacks of arrogance and he is about as brash as Donald Trump in a political debate. Yet behind that facade is a calculating, determined and powerful leader who drives any team forward with an Iron will. You are right in that he gets better in the heat of battle and in the face of overwhelming odds. He develops a narrow focus and he delivers his best in a way that few others can. He is one of Englands great performers who sacrificed alot for the team and who often bears the weight of responsibility of leadership alone on the field and in front of the media. Despite what many think of him he is a fantastic game manager with a good rugby brain. He will be sorely missed from the international stage
36 Go to commentsAlways proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
1 Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
16 Go to comments