We Need To Talk About London Irish

[Flankers' paradise]

Does anyone think that something like the super rugby set-up would work? add the championship clubs (maybe not ones that have a largely amateur set up) in a H or A round-robin with H&A 'derbies. Then have a QF SF and Final. Bin off the PRC because each fixture will be meaningful. Short term bad losses for some of the lower champ clubs but long term more exposure to top flight rugby as prem clubs will be less willing to rest big players as often meaning fans will be able to see them more often, however PONI will have mandated rest weekends enabling them to play in europe and internationally whilst not increasing their current workload on average

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

I was with you until you mentioned W**** clubs being allowed to play.

We currently have a 12 team Championship (including handily-placed Coventry @McTallshort ) and three clubs wanting to be considered again for second-tier rugby. I find it hard to believe that 2x12 team leagues could not be supported by any competent administration

12 teams 3 teams who can't get 1K attendances.

Like it's got to be at a certain level, and I feel people need to be realistic and stop living in the old days. Like honestly how can a club like Cambridge who have a 300 point difference in the championship really help with the standard of a tier 2 comp?

 

[Crash Hamster]

12 teams 3 teams who can't get 1K attendances.

Like it's got to be at a certain level, and I feel people need to be realistic and stop living in the old days. Like honestly how can a club like Cambridge who have a 300 point difference in the championship really help with the standard of a tier 2 comp?

They're not uncompetitive, in that they've won 3 games and aren't adrift at the bottom of the table. 88 points of their negative PD were shipped in one game against Trailfinders, who would be getting one of the two Prem spots. Cambridge lost to Coventry (currently third) by 17 points, which was hardly a thrashing. Obviously, if Warriors, Wasps and Irish were all appointed to a second tier, Cambridge would currently be the team to miss out. Compare with Sale Sharks women, who really are adrift at the moment, but the women's game is considered worth developing. No reason why similar logic couldn't be applied to the second tier of the men's game, ie clubs supported because of their development of players and grass-roots interest.

Realistically, Trailfinders, and to some extent Bedford, are a tad too good for second tier rugby, which only strengthens the argument that there should be a 12 team Premiership.

 

[McTallshort]

Will Trialfinders lose player to the new LI Team? Coventry are bound to a leak a few to Worcester. Might change things a bit