New Article on Kent "Move"

[Neils]

https://inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/wasps-move-kent-tells-rugby-2023-2760751?ITO=newsnow

[DarkKnight63]

How does this affect the plans? Or does it?

Championship clubs reject 'franchise model' for rugby union's second tier

Championship clubs have rejected plans to join a franchised second tier of English club rugby.

The 11 second-tier sides have been in talks with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) over the future of the club game after the demise of Jersey Reds, Wasps, Worcester and London Irish.

Plans for a 'Premiership 2' to start in 2025 had been proposed.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/67454884

[baldpaul101]

I would think it massively affects Wasps plans, if theres no Prem 2 with Franchise clubs in, what competition woud Wasps be looking to play in?

As usual the article only begs more questions.

Clubs added that they were unwilling to commit to a tender process

That would suggest that existing Champ clubs would have to apply to be part of the new Prem 2, alongside potentially Warriors, Wasps, Irish & anyone else wishing to buy their way in. You would expect some of those existing clubs clubs may not make the grade.

had significant doubt that any sides would be promoted to the top flight

So still barriers to promotion?

I doubt this will be the last position the clubs take on this, there will be some more bargaining back & forth but its a worry that PRL & RFU haven't already got this all agreed, given they are supposed to be announcing it in a few weeks.....

[baldpaul101]

https://inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/wasps-move-kent-tells-rugby-2023-2760751?ITO=newsnow

Does anyone have access to this link? When I try & read it I get asked to subscribe....

[NellyWellyWaspy]

See attached screenshot

[Shugs]

The problem I have now is that in a broader sense I don?t see much future for the pro game in England let alone a Wasps relaunch.

[westwaleswasp]

 I think it most likely that the whole of prem comes crashing down rather than expanding. Back to the old chestnut- the prem is full of selfish clubs who want what is best for them. Fair enough, so would I. What is best for them is more money and less real competition. Result? They want us and all the champ to be a fig leaf feeder club that gains them interest without hurting their chances.

It won't fly. And if a Chiefs go under, apart from asking rent a mouth Baxter what he thinks of a nine team prem, the second thing everyone will be asking is 'at what level is it sustainable'. Then eventually the rfu can get involved and set up a competition of their own as the whole edifice begins to crumble.

[baldpaul101]

Thanks Nelly.

Sensible comments from the management at Sevenoaks & Blackheath

[Skippy]

Some sensibly heads down in Sevenoaks and Blackheath. So how come the AhEffYou ends up with utter muppets like Sweeney Todd the demon CEO of Twickenham?

[NellyWellyWaspy]

Some sensibly heads down in Sevenoaks and Blackheath. So how come the AhEffYou ends up with utter muppets like Sweeney Todd the demon CEO of Twickenham?

Because the RFU is about money, power and prestige.

Sevenoaks and Blackheath are about the game.

[baldpaul101]

Sevenoaks and Blackheath are about the game.

I wouldn't necessarily say that, having met quite few people form both clubs.
I think it is more to do with the example of over reaching set by another local club, Old Elthamians.
they went from happy community club to a fully professional 1st team in national 1. They moved grounds & dismantled the heart of the club to do so. Millionaire philanthropist suddenly died & the whole thing collapsed. They now play in Kent Counties 3, one rung up form the bottom tier.
No one local wants to follow that example, hence, IMO, some of the comments form Blackheath & Sevenoaks