The RFU have provided an update on its men?s professional game partnership

[DarkKnight63]

The RFU have provided an update on its men?s professional game partnership, explaining that key elements of this new deal have been agreed. They also gave the latest on the status of negotiations regarding the Championship and its proposed revamp.

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/rfu-statement-professional-game-partnership-championship-update-england/

?The final decision on the exact format of the 14-team league will be made by the Tier 2 board no later than August 1, 2024, with the mechanism for any new teams in the league to be decided by council and announced ahead of the new season.

[SilverShire]

Big six weeks ahead.

Either the thumbs up or thumbs down will be given as to whether we can get a place in the championship for 2025/26 in August. I'm not sure how much of an issue finding somewhere to play will be. As it was announced back around February that temporary grounds had been secured in Greater London area.

With promotion/relegation being brought back, finding further investors will be easier (easier not easy). This should help with the building of the stadium in Sevenoaks if planning is granted.

We will have a year to get a head coach on board (hopefully someone with links to Wasps of old) draft a team and get a bunch of friendlies under our belts before the 25/26 comp begins.

Exciting times!

[NellyWellyWaspy]

Did I miss it in all that blather, but was there any mention of funding? Promotion/relegation was there, with the usual almost impossible ground and facilities requirements.

The other two sticking points were funding, and that the RFU intended (implied but not stated) to invite Wasps, Warriors and Irish (thus implying some existing teams would be bumped 'down').

[baldpaul101]

Did I miss it in all that blather, but was there any mention of funding?

Yes....but only to state it hasnt yet been dagreed yet

Since April, we have been working with the extended Championship executive team to reach final agreement on the following components of the league: Funding; Delegation to a new Tier 2 board; Timeline to complete the MOS self-validation process; Competition structure.

?Council were updated on the progress made since its April meeting and members approved the revised minimum operating standards self-validation timeline and final delegation of authority to the Tier 2 board.

?The final decision on the exact format of the 14-team league will be made by the Tier 2 board no later than August 1, 2024, with the mechanism for any new teams in the league to be decided by council and announced ahead of the new season.

I would suggest there is a VERY long way still to go, Funding and the potential "Franchising" element of the new Tier 2 will be & have been the fundamental sticking points. Promotion was always a bit of red herring IMO.