THE Premiership is set to be reduced to 10 teams as it looks to become more financially viable.
The move would see the Premiership Cup played during international windows and ensure that clubs had their best players available throughout the league campaign.
Premiership Rugby, which is negotiating a new player agreement deal with the Rugby Football Union with the current one having just over a season to run, has been canvassing the opinions of its 11 shareholders.
“We have just had a meeting with PRL and I think we are heading for a 10–team league,” said Gloucester’s head coach, George Skivington. “That would allow for proper international breaks with a cup competition in the autumn and during the Six Nations so we can develop young lads.
“As a product, rugby will be better when clubs have all their best players on the field. We could fill the grounds and get more people watching on television. Those international spells create a bit of chaos and while they provide opportunities for young players, I think you are better doing that around a Premiership Cup while Tests are being played.”
Premiership Rugby’s CEO Simon Massie-Taylor confirmed that talks were being held about a 10-team competition.
This story is from the May 07, 2023 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 07, 2023 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
