Is anyone the least bit interested?

IF Prem Two features 14 sides then six groups of four makes sense - would guarantee two/three extra home games although would mean a minimum 31-match season for the second tier clubs.

Is it a reasonable assumption to suggest that next years Prem Cup will consist of the following teams from Tier 2:

Edited by Se7en - 02 Feb 2025 at 00:42

Full time professional rugby in England is a financial disaster. My review of the latest filings at Companies House shows that every Premiership club in England disclosed a loss in their latest filed accounts with the largest loss £7m and the average loss circa £3.5m. I will need to check but in virtually all cases the financial losses had increased in 2024 compared to 2023......one exception was Exeter who only lost £circa £400k in 2024 compared to losing £4m+ in 2023, drastic cost cutting by trimming their squad was the likely reason

Se7en wrote: Is it a reasonable assumption to suggest that next years Prem Cup will consist of the following teams from Tier 2: Ealing Cov Donny Pirates Ampthill  Hartpury Blues Cambridge Chinnor Caldy Scottish  Warriors Rams Notts Obviously there is still much to play for in the Champ and National 1, but I don't think that this list is far off the mark when it comes to next season. I'd suggest that some of those clubs are on borrowed time, and if true professionalism is to filter down to Level 2 (which in our heart of hearts we all know is needed) then some of those clubs ought to make way for others that aspire to meet the grade for what is required to operate as a professional outfit.

You seem to have discounted Wasps (rightly so in my opinion)

Earlier comments have suggested that the Prem Cup will be limited to 16 teams - 10 prem and top six from Championship  Leaving 8 clubs without games similar to Chinnor and Cambridge this season. Unless an alternative competition for them can be found either with Scotland or Wales sides. An 8 team alt cup could be run 2 pools of 4 home and away plus semi and Final. Still means that some clubs will lose at least 4 weeks in mid season.

Camquin wrote: There was some talk of a 64 team knockout cup against National League clubs. But if it is a true knockout, while two clubs will get six games, most will get one. And a match between a Nat 2 side and a Championship team, even without their loan players, could well resemble Georgia v Switzerland. So, I do not see it being a draw for either side. Hopefully, the new chair of the Tier 2 board will be able to explain the advantage of France operating in a 30 team model.

Edited by islander - 03 Feb 2025 at 10:23

JZSmith wrote: Surely the eight clubs could take part in an expanded Not The Prem Cup? It's already a competition with integrity so why not build on that?

Edited by FHLH - 03 Feb 2025 at 12:06

Kimbo wrote: FHLH wrote: JZSmith wrote: Surely the eight clubs could take part in an expanded Not The Prem Cup? It's already a competition with integrity so why not build on that?   The Not The Premiership Cup is by invitation only for clubs beginning with the letter C - so that's Caldy, Cambridge, Chinnor and Cornish Pirates  However, 8 makes sense (did I really write that)? Cov not good enough then?

Kimbo wrote: Cov not good enough then?