Edf Energy Cup Set For Overhaul

Rugby union’s EDF Energy Cup is set for a major revamp next season, including a move in the annual scheduling and the addition of a second-tier tournament.

Proposals are currently under review to move the domestic club competition featuring English and Welsh clubs to the Test-match windows during the autumn internationals and the Six Nations.

Premier Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty says any overhaul would need careful attention to its commercial promotion, but believes organisers could overcome the absence of England and Welsh Test stars.

He stated: ‘There are a lot of top quality players involved in both leagues and while some of the internationals would be absent on Test duty that doesn’t mean to say we couldn’t have a strong, vibrant competition involving the clubs and regions.

‘Will it be less attractive? Will it be different? It will certainly be different. But it will also give an opportunity for emerging players to get high quality competition against tough opposition and that’s attractive to supporters.

‘We need to promote and position that correctly and price it appropriately, but there’s an attractive competition to be had and that’s what we’re working towards.’

The competition has been hit in recent seasons by clubs fielding second-string sides which has prompted a downturn in attendances.

McAfferty concluded: ‘I hope and expect the Anglo-Welsh Cup can continue. That’s what we’re planning for.

‘I hope there’ll be a couple of changes to it. We’re looking at some possibilities and talking through those at the moment with the RFU and WRU. I’m very hopeful it will continue to involve all 12 Premiership teams and the four Welsh regions.

‘We’re looking at the possibility of including a limited number of National Division One clubs from England and whether we can establish a second-tier Anglo-Welsh competition involving the other National League One clubs and Welsh Premier Division clubs.

‘But that’s all on the drawing board at the moment and it’s what we’re talking through with the two unions.

‘Anglo-Welsh rugby goes back a long way and that’s attractive from a rugby and commercial point of view and we hope to continue that.

‘It would need to change format somewhat, but that doesn’t mean to say we can’t build a new vibrant competition on the back of what’s been achieved over the last three years or so.’