https://lnkd.in/etRfAxUR
I think that I read over a 100 comments on this and a number of related articles.
And ultimately I come down in favour of the process as the Tier 2 Board includes existing Championship representation.
In addition, selection of the two new clubs is based on a set of criteria that is consistent with creating a sound foundation including:
(1) Minimum Operating Standards.
(2) Finanacial Viability.
(3) Player base, competiveness, commercial and geography.
So the clubs' proposals should have to demonstrate that they are viable and have an expansion agenda. Interestingly, this would suggest that they should not all be based in south or west London as they would be competing against possibly Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club and definitely Harlequins and Saracens Group so in conflict with arguably (2) and certainly (3).
But it does suggest London Irish Rugby Club, Wasps and Worcester Warriors might meed to adopt a flexible, franchise style approach to hit the mark.
But I would like to know:
(a) Who will be on the tender panel?
(b) How will the money be used? (security or investment elsewhere in the levels below Premiership Rugby, other ways of improving supporter and player involvement).
(c) More detailed criteria...at present it lacks the credibility of a properly robust process with a level playing field.
And interestingly if any previously wound up clubs were to exist in a new format but with the same investors or using collateral from the previous incarnation, what would England Rugby and the Rugby Players Association have to say about unpaid rugby debts?
So good start, but would definitely like more information as I am sure many other supporters would too.
Brilliant news for English rugby 👏
London Irish announced last night that they have officially submitted an expression of interest to the RFU to compete in the Tier 2 Championship league in 2025/26 ✍️
This comes a few weeks after Worcester Warriors made it public that they wish to compete.
It’s looking more and more likely that we will see London Irish and Worcester return to top-flight rugby very soon 🏉
#rugby #englandrugby
Director CME FX
1wBrilliant! 🏉 👏