Premier Rugby Denies Plans To Scrap Relegation
Premier Rugby has denied media speculation that it is set to scrap the existing relegation system from the Guinness Premiership in order to protect the financial position of the 12 top-flight rugby clubs.
Premier Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty confirmed that expanding the Premiership from 12 to 14 teams was a possibility ‘two or three years down the line’ but he insisted the plans didn’t include any form of ‘stopping of relegation or ring fencing’.
At present the bottom team at the end of the 22-game regular season is relegated and replaced by the team that wins the second-tier Championship.
Premier Rugby is looking to substantially increase the size of its TV deal when it negotiates a new contract in 2013. If successful, this additional revenue could pave the way for two more clubs.
Said McCafferty: ‘We will not do it before the new TV contract in two or three years’ time. The bigger challenge is, if you increase the number of games then you risk increasing games which overlap with international weekends, so that season structure is an issue.
‘We’re seeing quite significant growth in interest and attendances in the Premiership. It’s part of that we’re looking to address – how do you ensure the club game continues to grow between 2010 to when the Rugby World Cup comes to the country in 2015?’
