Statistics that back up Steve Borthwick's bye week claim.

[Rossm]

This an article from the Leicester Mercury by Bobby Bridge (with his Tigers hat on) and John Wiffen.

Worth a read as bye weeks are new this season?

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gallagher-premiership-statistics-back-up-6741300

[Bloke in North Dorset]

Interesting stats and makes sense once the season gets going as it saves rotating the best players through a rest week.

[DGP Wasp]

Bye week in the opening rounds doesn't have quite the same impact.  I would argue that Wasps' bye in week one was a disadvantage if anything as they were coming off pre-season, up against a team who already had one competitive game under their belt.  Once you're 4 or 5 rounds in, then the bye week does offer a great opportunity for the entire squad to rest, refresh and recover.

After round 4, 9 of the next 10 rounds had wins for the team that had the previous week off.

Not sure what Borthwick's moaning about though as they've won all 3 of their games against "rested" teams so far this season.   However, the schedule should have ensured that all teams play the same number of games against teams coming off a bye week, and it's certainly not right that Sarries play Leicester after both of their bye weeks.  Since it looks like we're stuck with a 13 team league for the foreseeable future, then PRL definitely need to look at this.

[Peej]

I definitely think it was a disadvantage to have the bye week within the first three rounds of the season. After then,  I think it's crucial as the schedule for the teams playing in the Champions Cup doesn't allow resting.

I genuinely think the game needs to bring back more rest weeks for the league as a whole to ensure it's ongoing integrity. Else who is going to continue to pay lots of money to see clubs without their best players through injuries or international call ups?

[Steadywasp]

First 4 Bye weeks of the season should be prem finalists and loosing semi-finalists.

[DGP Wasp]

First 4 Bye weeks of the season should be prem finalists and loosing semi-finalists.

That makes a great deal of sense.  It'll never catch on!

[hookender]

First 4 Bye weeks of the season should be prem finalists and loosing semi-finalists.

That makes a great deal of sense.  It'll never catch on!

Fingers crossed then that Doncaster win championship and also their appeal.

[Peej]

First 4 Bye weeks of the season should be prem finalists and loosing semi-finalists.

Too sensible!

[Brandnewtorugby]

First 4 Bye weeks of the season should be prem finalists and loosing semi-finalists.

That makes a great deal of sense.  It'll never catch on!

Fingers crossed then that Doncaster win championship and also their appeal.

As long as it doesn't go like London Welsh.