RFU Management Board statement

Thursday January 29, 2009
Issued by Dave Barton

 

The Rugby Football Union Management Board discussed at its regular monthly meeting yesterday the effects of the recession on the RFU and clubs at all levels of the game.

The Chief Executive Francis Baron reported on the action being taken to assist clubs and to ensure that the RFU's own cost base is reduced in line with likely falls in revenue.

The Board discussed an outline proposal received from Premier Rugby Ltd last Thursday to increase the number of Premiership matches by 36 next season. The Board also received reports from Elite Rugby Director Rob Andrew and RFU Finance Director Nick Eastwood following their meetings with PRL on the proposals this week.

The Management Board were unanimous in their view that the current proposals were not in the best interests of elite rugby for the following reasons:

·       Implementation of the proposals would require a re-negotiation of the eight-year agreement that only came into force from July 1, 2008. Concerns were expressed over the integrity of the Guinness Premiership given the impact of the new proposals on relegation, Heineken Cup qualification and GP play-off qualification. One of the main goals of the new agreement was to reduce the overlaps and conflict between the club game and the International game

 

·       Concerns over player welfare and injury levels with no room for manoeuvre in the revised season structure. Player welfare was a top priority in the negotiations. There is a risk that these proposals will lead to the need for more midweek matches in the event of postponements and the impact on player welfare that this creates.

·       Concerns over the impact of the proposals on the number of foreign players in the Guinness Premiership. One of the reasons for reducing the overlaps was to encourage the playing of English Qualified Players. Only four clubs have reached the threshold for EQP payments (an average of 14 of the match 22 to be English qualified) from next season.

 

·       Concerns over the effects on the U20 and Academy programmes. It has been identified by all parties that there is a need to improve the playing development programmes for talented young English players. A combination of 'A' league, dual registration with Championship (currently First Division Rugby) clubs and an Anglo-Welsh Cup competition have been identified as the best way of achieving this. The number of EQPs playing in this year's EDF Energy Cup are significantly higher than those in the Guinness Premiership.

 

·       The proposals would not deliver a net financial benefit to clubs over alternative solutions which would not need a renegotiation of the new agreement. Based on the limited information made available to date by PRL, the proposals to change the season structure would only offer a marginal increase in revenues over and above those provided by the proposed successor to the EDF Energy Cup and a potential fourth autumn international in 2009.

 

·       The proposals did not include any plans for material cost reductions and there are concerns that they could in fact increase costs.

The next quarterly meeting of the RFU Management Board and Chairman and Chief Executives of PRL clubs, under the new agreement, is due imminently. The RFU is proposing that this meeting focuses on the economic situation and alternative solutions to help the clubs with their financial solutions

 

Dave Barton
National Media Manager
Rugby Football Union
+44 (0)1453 845333
+44 (0)7736 517610
davebarton@rfu.com

 

26 January 2009.

To: All RFU North Division Clubs – Level 5 to Level 11.

 

From: Mike Smith. Chairman/Acting Secretary. RFU North Competitions Committee (RFUNCC).

 

ENGLISH CLUBS CHAMPIONSHIP – LEAGUE RESTRUCTURING DETAILS – SEASON 2009-2010

 

Last October, the RFU North Competitions Committee (RFUNCC) wrote to all Clubs (Levels 6-11), who participated in League Rugby to seek their views regarding League sizes and their willingness or not to compete in RFU Cup Competitions. Level 5 Clubs were not consulted as they, and the RFU had already made it clear that they wanted an increase in League sizes at that level.

Clubs were asked to complete a Questionnaire, return it, confirming what they wished to happen. Approximately 78% of Clubs responded, which demonstrated to the RFUNCC, that there was much interest in the future of the League and Cup Competitions.

 

Whilst discussions are still ongoing as far as the Cup Competitions are concerned, (and we will advise at a later date what decisions have been agreed), we are now in a position to inform Clubs that effective from the 2009-2010 season, the following changes will take place to the League Structure here in the North.

 

·       Summary.

 

Level 5. (Currently North 1). Increase number of teams from 12 to 14.

Level 6. (Currently North 2 East and North 2 West). Increase number of teams from 12 to 14.

Level 7. (Currently Durham/Northumberland 1, Yorkshire 1, North Lancashire & Cumbria, and South Lancashire/Cheshire 1).Increase number of teams from 12 to 14.

Level 8. (Currently Durham/Northumberland 2 and Yorkshire 2). No increase in number of teams. To remain at 12 maximum.

Level 8. (Currently North Lancashire 1, South Lancashire/Cheshire 2, Cumbria). Increase number of teams from 12 to 14. NB: Cumbria League size – discussions still taking place. . :

Level 9 and below. (all other remaining Leagues). Exact details of League sizes still to be fully determined, but the aim is to give Clubs – 12 team Leagues and/or a maximum of 22 League games per season.

 

·       Impact of Restructuring on Season 2008-2009’s - Promotion & Relegation issues.

 

In considering Promotion & Relegation issues, it should be borne in mind that the North Divisional Area, has to implement League Promotion & Relegation, in conjunction with the other three Divisional Organising Committee’s.

This is necessary, in order to ensure that the total English Clubs Championship is balanced, in respect of League sizes. It is anticipated that in the next two to three seasons, the introduction of increased League sizes for 2009-2010, will have been consolidated, and thus result in any major changes necessary to enable Restructuring to take place, will be minimised. 

 

Level 5.

 

Promotion: League Winners to be promoted along with the Winner of the North 1 v Midlands 1 Play Off game.

 

Relegation: The Two 12^th placed Clubs from North 1, Midlands 1, London 1, and South West 1, with the “Best Playing Record” will be reprieved from Relegation, The Two remaining 12^th placed Clubs will be relegated to Level 6. (one each into Two of the Four Divisions as above.

 

 

Level 6.

 

Promotion: League Winners of North 2 East & North 2 West to be Promoted to Level 5, along with the Winner of the North 2 East v North 2 West Play Off.

Relegation: There will be no Relegation from Level 6.

 

Level 7.

 

Promotion: League Winners of Durham/Northumberland 1, Yorkshire 1, North Lancashire/Cumbria, and South Lancashire/Cheshire 1 to be Promoted to Level 6.

 

The TWO Divisions NOT to have a Club Relegated from Level 5 to Level 6 will promote THREE of their FOUR 2^nd placed Level 7 Clubs to Level 6.    

The TWO Clubs within each of these Divisions with the “Best Playing Record” will gain automatic Promotion.

The remaining Two 2^nd placed Clubs in the Division will Play Off for the 3^rd Promotion place at the ground of the Club with the “Best Playing Record”.

The Play Offs in the other TWO Divisions will go ahead in the usual way with the TWO Winners promoted.

 

Relegation: There will be no Relegation from Level 7.

 

Level 8.

 

Promotion:

 

East of the Pennines (Durham/Northumberland 2 and Yorkshire 2). Winners plus Runners Up to be promoted from each League to Level 7, plus if necessary (and dependant on Promotion issues relating to Level 7 as above) additional Clubs, selected on 2008-2009 Final League Placings.

 

West of the Pennines (North Lancashire 1, South Lancashire/Cheshire 2, and Cumbria). Winners plus Runners Up from each League to be promoted to Level 7, plus if necessary (and dependant on Promotion issues relating to Level 7 as above) additional Clubs, selected on 2008-2009 Final League Placings..

 

Relegation:

 

East of the Pennines (Durham/Northumberland 2 and Yorkshire 2). Bottom Two Clubs from each League to be relegated to Level 9.

 

West of the Pennines (North Lancashire 1, South Lancashire/Cheshire 2, and Cumbria). There will be no Relegation from Level 8.

 

Levels 9-11.

 

Promotion & Relegation: To be effected as per normal. i.e., Two Clubs to be Promoted, Two Clubs to be relegated.

In Yorkshire 5A and 5B (Level 11) - Number of Promotion places to be determined, dependant on compositions of Levels 9 & 10 (Yorkshire 3 and Yorkshire 4).

 

 

·       Additional comments.

 

Club Administrators will appreciate, that League Restructuring is complex, and obviously there may be other changes/amendments to the above. The RFUNCC would request that until the Final Promotion & Relegation places have been determined, and the League Compositions for 2009-2010 have been published, any queries are kept to a minimum. In due course, further details will be released of the 2009-2010 Cup Competitions which will be administered by the four Divisional Organising Committee’s, in conjunction with the RFU.

 

Your anticipated co-operation in ensuring a smooth transition to the above Restructuring is greatly appreciated.

 

Application forms for the England Rugby Camps in February/April 2009 available from Guy Hughes

England Rugby Camps 2009

17^th, 18^th & 19^th February 2009
Venues

Vale of Lune

Marple RUFC

***********

7^th, 8^th & 9^th April 2009
Venues
Macclesfield RUFC
Didsbury TOC H RFC
Fylde RFC

 

14^th, 15^th & 16^th April 2009

Venues

Eccles RUFC

Hoylake RUFC

 

 

 

RFU Council backs new 12-team Championship

 

Issued by Simon Mills, 14th November 2008 

 

The RFU Council tonight approved by an overwhelming majority the creation of a 12-team Championship division for the 2009/10 season.

 

The Council backed recommendations from the RFU Management Board for the Championship to form a new professional tier below the Guinness Premiership, voting against an amendment deferring its formation until 2010/11.

 

Further discussions will take place about a meaningful fixture list that will guarantee a minimum of 32 games for First Division Rugby clubs each season consisting of league games and other competitive matches.

 

The Council also approved 12 of 13 recommendations from the Rugby Landscape Task Group that will make other significant changes to the structure of the game in England.

 

More information about the formation of the Championship and the implementation of the Rugby Landscape project will be released in due course.

 

ends

 

Simon Mills
Community Rugby Media Manager
Rugby Football Union
+44 (0)20 8831 6760
+44 (0)7702 661214
simonmills@rfu.com

Tuesday 4th November 2008,  Issued by Dave Barton

 

RFU wants your view on experimental laws

 

THE Rugby Football Union is giving everyone involved in English rugby the chance to have their say on the Experimental Law Variations being trialled this season.

A website survey www.rfusurvey.co.uk is launched today and the results will be used as part of the RFU's report to the International Rugby Board, who will vote on whether to implement the ELVs into rugby law in May 2009.

The RFU believes that some of the 13 ELVs could fundamentally change the nature of the game as it is currently known and that all those potentially affected by their introduction should be consulted.

The survey, which will be open until December 16, is for players, coaches, referees, administrators and supporters and follows last season's initial survey before the ELVs were introduced, which prompted a massive 18,000 respondents in just three weeks.

RFU Chief Executive Francis Baron said: "As these Experimental Law Variations could potentially result in major changes to the Laws of the Game, the RFU believes it is important to consult those involved in the game at every level and give them an opportunity to express their views.

"This online survey will form a major part of our report to the IRB on what impact the ELVs have had on English rugby this season. The responses last time demonstrated just how many people care passionately about this game of ours.

"I would urge everyone with an interest in the future of our game to go to www.rfusurvey.co.uk and spend ten minutes completing the questionnaire so we can paint as accurate a picture as possible of people's views in England."

The questionnaire can also be accessed from the RFU website homepage at www.rfu.com

 

Dave Barton

National Media Manager

Rugby Football Union

+44 (0)1453 845333

+44 (0)7736 517610

davebarton@rfu.com

Experimental Law Variations – Have your say!

The Rugby Football Union is giving everyone involved in English rugby the chance to have their say on the International Rugby Board’s proposal to introduce eight new Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) throughout the game next season.

The RFU believes that some of the ELVs could fundamentally change the nature of the game as it is currently known and that all those potentially affected by their introduction should be consulted.

The RFU has therefore launched a special consultation website www.rfusurvey.co.uk to enable all parts of the game to express their views on the ELVs and whether they should be trialled in the manner proposed. 

The  survey is open to players, coaches, referees and supporters and gives people chance to compare and vote on the existing law and its associated ELV before the Union formally responds to the IRB.  

The  questionnaire can also be accessed from the RFU website homepage at www.rfu.com and Chief Executive Francis Baron said: "We have a number of concerns about the ELVs and the proposed process that is being followed regarding their introduction."

“As these Experimental Law Variations could potentially result in major changes to the Laws of the Game, the RFU believes it is important to consult those involved in the game at every level and give them an opportunity to express their views."

"In order to discover what participants in rugby union in England actually feel and to assist us in formulating the RFU’s response to the proposed changes, the Union has compiled an online questionnaire."

“I would urge everyone with an interest in the future of our game to go to www.rfusurvey.co.uk and spend ten minutes completing the questionnaire so we can paint as accurate a picture as possible of people's views in England when the matter comes up for debate at the IRB in May."