The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has announced ambitious plans to breathe new life into English rugby, acknowledging their past shortcomings in nurturing young talent. This move is part of a groundbreaking partnership known as the Professional Game Partnership (PGP).
One of the key elements of this plan is the creation of a revamped second tier of rugby, scheduled to launch in the 2025-2026 season. This second-tier league aims to provide opportunities for teams like Wasps, London Irish, Worcester, and Jersey Reds to re-enter professional rugby. The goal is clear: England wants to be a world leader in rugby at all levels.
The RFU is also introducing a series of proposals to reshape the landscape of English rugby. One notable change is the introduction of hybrid or “enhanced” contracts for around 25 elite England players. These contracts will give the RFU greater control over player workload and incorporate improved Individual Development Plans (IDPs), ensuring players receive the necessary support to reach their full potential.
Another significant move is the reduction in squad sizes for Premiership clubs to approximately 35 senior players, with additional support from a dozen or so Academy players. This change aims to prevent clubs from “warehousing” talent and will foster a more efficient structure that prioritizes playing time for younger talents.
Additionally, the RFU is working on centralizing and standardizing strength and conditioning data, fostering better collaboration between clubs and national teams. They also plan to implement a consistent and regular England ‘A’ match program, including a tour in the summer of 2025.
Conor O’Shea, a key figure in the RFU, stressed the importance of providing opportunities for young talent. He emphasized that talent identification is not just about spotting talent but also about giving players the chance to develop through ample game-time. The RFU’s mission is to create a system that encourages and enforces game-time for emerging talents.
The revamped Championship, provisionally named ‘Premiership II,’ will offer a lifeline to clubs like Wasps, London Irish, Worcester, and Jersey Reds, allowing them to return to professional rugby without starting from scratch. The selection process for clubs to join this league will begin in 2024, and minimum standards for entry are currently being discussed.
However, the introduction of a “franchise” model has faced opposition from existing Championship clubs, who argue that entry to the new league should be based on merit. The RFU has stated that promotion and relegation remain an integral part of English rugby, and while existing Championship clubs will have the first opportunity to apply, ambition for eventual promotion to the Premiership will be a prerequisite.
The success of the England men’s senior team is crucial for the financial health of English rugby, with 85% of revenues being driven by the national team. To support this, a new contract model has been designed to improve collaboration between England and the clubs. Players in the Enhanced Elite Player Squad will receive a payment of approximately £150,000 a year from the RFU, in addition to their club salaries. This model will provide the RFU with more control over certain aspects, such as player conditioning and medical support, while club directors of rugby will retain final selection authority.
The RFU also intends to review and enhance support for players after Owen Farrell’s decision to step back from international rugby for mental wellbeing reasons. The aim is to provide better care for players and ensure that rugby environments are conducive to their physical and mental health.
In conclusion, the RFU’s plans are geared towards revitalizing English rugby by offering more opportunities for young talent, improving collaboration between clubs and the national team, and enhancing player support. These initiatives represent a significant step forward in shaping the future of rugby in England.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rugby Revitalization
What are the key initiatives in the RFU’s plan to revitalize English rugby?
The RFU’s plan includes creating a revamped second-tier league, introducing enhanced contracts for elite players, reducing squad sizes, centralizing strength and conditioning data, and implementing a regular England ‘A’ match program.
Why is the RFU focusing on nurturing young talent?
The RFU acknowledges its past failure to provide young talent with opportunities. By giving emerging players more game-time, they aim to develop a stronger pipeline of talent for the future.
What is ‘Premiership II,’ and how does it benefit certain clubs?
‘Premiership II’ is a revamped Championship, offering clubs like Wasps, London Irish, Worcester, and Jersey Reds a chance to return to professional rugby without starting from scratch, helping them regain a foothold in the sport.
How will the new contract model for elite players work?
Elite players will receive enhanced contracts, with the RFU providing additional financial support alongside club salaries. This model aims to foster collaboration while allowing the RFU more control over certain player aspects.
Why is player support and well-being a focus for the RFU?
Following Owen Farrell’s decision to step back from international rugby for mental well-being reasons, the RFU aims to enhance player support and create rugby environments that prioritize players’ physical and mental health.
What role will promotion and relegation play in these changes?
Promotion and relegation remain an integral part of English rugby. Existing Championship clubs will have the opportunity to apply for ‘Premiership II,’ but ambition for promotion to the Premiership is a prerequisite for entry.
More about Rugby Revitalization
- RFU’s Plan to Revitalize English Rugby
- Enhanced Player Contracts in Rugby
- Championship Clubs’ Response to ‘Premiership II’
- Importance of Player Support in Rugby
- RFU’s Focus on Youth Development
4 comments
cn’t w8 2 c england A matches back, dats gr8 4 developmnt.
gud 2 c da RFU strtn a plan 2 mak rugby betr. youth need chanses & 2nd tier sound gr8.
prmoting & rlegations key, hope championship clubs on bord 4 change #PremiershipII.
plyer support imp, glad RFU lukin @ wel-being afta Farrell’s stepback.