RFU blueberries

The RFU has also confirmed Saracens’s StoneX stadium has passed the criteria, despite undergoing development work which means it will not have the necessary capacity by the start of next season. The RFU has said its criteria allows for dispensation for clubs to reduce capacity for improvements and that Saracens applied for it while still in the Premiership.

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Edited by CJB1 - 12 Jun 2021 at 22:37

Kiwifruits

They're playing dirty again. It is so hypocritical when the Premiership sides all started the Pro era in grounds like Ealing's yet when they get stadiums, pull up the drawbridge so the smaller clubs don't get a chance. The Minimum Standards Criteria is nothing more than an excuse to keep the old boys club together. The RFU has the same problem that the rebel code have only they are bit more subtle about it.

Unfortunately Raider you miss the point completely - or are being  obtuse - RFU making this ‘ruling’ at a time like this just goes to prove how out of touch they really are and how clearly in the pocket of the PRL that they sit. 

The unintended consequences of ring fencing are just so obvious to us in the Championship, a shame that the Prem and RFU are so myopic. 

CQ makes some really good points. The actual streaming figures for this season's Championship matches when no one could actually visit the grounds were hugely lower than the clubs themselves predicted. In some cases less than 50% of the predicted numbers. If actual members/supporters of the Championship clubs were not prepared to spend £10 on watching their team from the comfort of their own home when there was Rhubarb all else to do on a Saturday afternoon I can fully understand why no broadcaster wants to show the matches. The support for French clubs below their top league is on a totally different level to that in  primarily due to history and culture, and that is then reflected in the TV deal. Sadly, but ultimately correctly, there is simply not enough money to sustain a full time second division in England. Maybe the Prem could expand to 14 or at a big outside chance 16 but certainly not 20-24 which is what you will need for two viable leagues

[QUOTE=marigold] If actual members/supporters of the Championship clubs were not prepared to spend £10 on watching their team from the comfort of their own home when there was Rhubarb all else to do on a Saturday afternoon I can fully understand why no broadcaster wants to show the matches.

marigold wrote: CQ makes some really good points. The actual streaming figures for this season's Championship matches when no one could actually visit the grounds were hugely lower than the clubs themselves predicted. In some cases less than 50% of the predicted numbers. If actual members/supporters of the Championship clubs were not prepared to spend £10 on watching their team from the comfort of their own home when there was Rhubarb all else to do on a Saturday afternoon I can fully understand why no broadcaster wants to show the matches. The support for French clubs below their top league is on a totally different level to that in  primarily due to history and culture, and that is then reflected in the TV deal. Sadly, but ultimately correctly, there is simply not enough money to sustain a full time second division in England. Maybe the Prem could expand to 14 or at a big outside chance 16 but certainly not 20-24 which is what you will need for two viable leagues

I feel that the real fact is that most Rugby folks love the match day in total more than only the match: divert from mundane chores, meet friends and enjoy the camaraderie,- maybe even enjoy a social beer or two. Sitting at home watching is simply not as appealing.