A third way?

[Shugs]

We?ve had three teams go pop. I imagine at least one of Tigers, Exeter or AN Other may be next. That would give a core of 4 teams. You then have some ambitious Championship clubs in Ealing, Coventry, Jersey, Pirates and Doncaster. They are held back by the PRL closed shop and cannot progress (if indeed they see promotion that way). They pretty much universally agree that the RFU sees them as an inconvenience and pays them a pittance. We?ve got Welsh clubs on the brink, unable to make the numbers add up. How satisfying would it be to say no thanks to the PRL and RFU and just set up a league of 12-14 on terms agreed by all. Maybe semi pro or certainly with a massively lowered cap and any deals that can be struck are just shared out. Huge logistical challenge and probably too complicated to become reality but something has to change.

[WonkyWasp]

It would be brilliant but  would it be possible/viable financially or logistically?  I'm not so sure.

[Egret]

... How satisfying would it be to say no thanks to the RFU and just set up a league of 12-14 on terms agreed by all ......

Isn't this what they said before forming PRL?

As much as some may dislike it, the failure of the three premiership clubs tilts the balance of power from the PRL to the RFU.

Instead of being held over a barrel and having to pay ?25M pa to get access to players (which enriches premiership clubs at the expense of the championship clubs and community game) the timing of this crisis is an opportunity to get a more balanced structure to the game in England rather than have the PRL call all the shots

[Shugs]

The balance of power will be tilted nowhere if the RFU carry on the way they are. They are close to bankruptcy themselves.

[baldpaul101]

Sorry but a non starter, where would the money be coming from?

Theres only 3 sources of money.
1. The international game which the unions control, and theres no way they wold sanction what yo are suggesting
2. TV money which would stick with where the "stars" are, so PRL
3. Rich owners, if there were any of those going spare there wouldn't be 3 clubs going under in a season.

With no money, it would never get off the ground.
The entire game needs restructuring but that needs everyone to agree which we know, from the endless discussions on a global season, doesnt happen very often!

[Shugs]

Granted, the cost base would have to shrink beyond all recognition. Where does the money for the Championship clubs come from at the minute because a pittance comes from the RFU.

[NellyWellyWaspy]

Granted, the cost base would have to shrink beyond all recognition. Where does the money for the Championship clubs come from at the minute because a pittance comes from the RFU.

Rich owners (Ealing), supporters, sponsors. A lot of unpaid players (amateur). Plus a couple of bob from the RFU. Fund raising.

My local club got itself back in shape by asking for ?50 donations from its supporters in return for clubhouse type benefits (discounts, parking), plus fund raising. Caught back its entire Covid losses by this season's end. Prudent financial management.

[Shugs]

Granted, the cost base would have to shrink beyond all recognition. Where does the money for the Championship clubs come from at the minute because a pittance comes from the RFU.

Rich owners (Ealing), supporters, sponsors. A lot of unpaid players (amateur). Plus a couple of bob from the RFU. Fund raising.

My local club got itself back in shape by asking for ?50 donations from its supporters in return for clubhouse type benefits (discounts, parking), plus fund raising. Caught back its entire Covid losses by this season's end. Prudent financial management.

Exactly - it?s already happening.

[Sliminator]

Just watched this: Jim Hamilton interviewing Mark Evans,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmnF6wgks3Y&t=4303s

It was shared with me on twitter to give some background as to how the NRL is run.