Here?s a plan that hasn?t a chance of being adopted by the RFU/PRL ?..
If rugby is to survive it needs a lot more exposure and that can only happen on a free to air platform. ITV have done a good job whenever they broadcast games so as a start I?d offer them a free broadcasting rights for 3 years based on the following:
They must show a minimum of 1 live PRL game per weekend and can show as many as they like.
The must show at least live Championship game when there?s no PRL games and to the same production values (they?d probably have to concede a bit here when it clashes with
Internationals)
All Championship teams must be shown at least once live.
If viewing figures rise above an agreed number revenue sharing kicks in.
The advantage for clubs is that they should be able to increase shirt sponsorship deals, even in the championship, and it exposes clubs to a local audience. The idea being to try to get kids interested in their local clubs and they will persuade a parent to take them.
I?m sure the hive mind can improve or even replace the idea, but unless the RFU and PRL get radical they will only be managing decline.