Open letter to Kathyrn Williamson

Dear Kathyrn Williamson

I follow and sometimes contribute to this rugby forum that discusses all things to do with the Championship rugby clubs. For some time now most of the discussions are about conjecture and sometimes downright fantasy. This is due entirely to the lack of information coming from the RFU. Indeed, the general opinion of how the RFU runs today’s game is less than complimentary. I am therefore writing to you, in your role of the Executive Director of Communications at the RFU, to make some suggestions on how you can improve the image of your employer.

At the end of this month The Premiership will be announcing a decision about the future of London Irish. Can I therefore suggest that during the first week of June, preferably before the end of next week, you release a statement about the following:

1 A full list of the clubs taking part in The Championship next season.
2 A date when the full fixture list will be published.
3 A date when the full draw for the new cup competition will be announced.
4 A clear explanation about promotion and relegation.
5 What funding will be available from the RFU to each Championship side next season.
6 A date when you are likely to announce the changes planned for the 2024/25 season.

Some of the answers to the above have been announced but the situation regarding the future of this wonderful game has become muddy and demands a snappy, concise, and informative response from its administrator.

I invite other members of this forum to add any additional comments they may have, and I also invite you to respond direct if you so wish. After all, good communications are a good thing, don’t you think?

Cherub wrote: Dear Kathyrn Williamson I follow and sometimes contribute to this rugby forum that discusses all things to do with the Championship rugby clubs. For some time now most of the discussions are about conjecture and sometimes downright fantasy. This is due entirely to the lack of information coming from the RFU. Indeed, the general opinion of how the RFU runs today’s game is less than complimentary. I am therefore writing to you, in your role of the Executive Director of Communications at the RFU, to make some suggestions on how you can improve the image of your employer. At the end of this month The Premiership will be announcing a decision about the future of London Irish. Can I therefore suggest that during the first week of June, preferably before the end of next week, you release a statement about the following: 1 A full list of the clubs taking part in The Championship next season. 2 A date when the full fixture list will be published. 3 A date when the full draw for the new cup competition will be announced. 4 A clear explanation about promotion and relegation to and from the Championship at both ends. 5 What funding will be available from the RFU to each Championship side next season. 6 A date when you are likely to announce the changes planned for the 2024/25 season. Some of the answers to the above have been announced but the situation regarding the future of this wonderful game has become muddy and demands a snappy, concise, and informative response from its administrator. I invite other members of this forum to add any additional comments they may have, and I also invite you to respond direct if you so wish. After all, good communications are a good thing, don’t you think?

Edited by billesleyexile - 26 May 2023 at 08:30

More chance of plaiting fog, but very reasonable and sensible, good luck.

Kathryn Williamson was my grandmother. Long gone now but I suspect you would still have more success writing to her.

Communication from the RFU is poor. Kathryn is the Executive Director of Communications. I am not shooting the messenger. I am asking the messenger to do her job.

Cherub wrote: Communication from the RFU is poor. Kathryn is the Executive Director of Communications. I am not shooting the messenger. I am asking the messenger to do her job.

Cherub wrote: Communication from the RFU is poor. Kathryn is the Executive Director of Communications. I am not shooting the messenger. I am asking the messenger to do her job.

I have just received the following email response from Kathryn Williamson:

Dear Peter,

The RFU is working collaboratively with representatives from the Championship and Premiership Rugby to look at the long-term future and structure of the professional game under the Professional Game Agreement.    

The RFU has committed to retaining current funding levels to the Championship until the end of the 2023/24 season, providing certainty to the clubs, while longer term discussions around the Professional Game Agreement take place.

The Championship will consist of 12 teams for the 2023-24 season with the fixtures due to be announced in late June in line with previous years. We are currently working with the clubs, who have the outline season structure, to map fixtures to their requests and availability.

For many years we have provided support in seeking sponsorship and broadcast partners, however, appetite has been limited. TNT Sports (BT Sport) will provide coverage of the Premiership Cup next season, which will include Championship clubs. The RFU is looking at continuing to provide a streaming service for the league, as it has done in recent seasons.

Best wishes,

Kathryn

It's good that the Premiership Cup will be televised.

Camquin wrote: At the Cambridge SGM last Tuesday we were told by our Chairman, that at the Championship Clubs meeting that day there was no confirmation of the funding for the 23/24 season. So presumably it has been confirmed in the last week.