English rugby’s top tier, Premiership Rugby, has moved to a closed-league system after the Rugby Football Union (RFU) Council approved measures ending automatic promotion and relegation between the Premiership and the second-tier Championship, a move that has garnered reaction from across the sport.
The RFU Council vote, confirmed last month, aligns the Premiership with the United Rugby Championship, leaving the French Top 14 as the only major European league retaining the threat of relegation. The change has been framed by some as a necessary step to attract investment and stabilise club finances.
Bruno Cheval, a co-owner of six-time Investec Champions Cup winners Toulouse, speaking independently from the French club, described the shift as “very exciting” and “very intriguing.” He argued that the risk of relegation hinders investment in clubs. “When you have the risk of being relegated, it’s much more difficult to invest in a club,” Cheval said. “I see it on the positive side.”
Cheval believes a closed league structure will make the Premiership more attractive to investors, potentially allowing clubs to build stronger, more sustainable foundations. “If you have the money, if you can stabilise the finances of the club, then you can build the product – and if you build the product then there’s more engagement and probably more viewership on TV,” he added.
The move comes as English rugby continues to grapple with financial challenges, with several clubs facing difficulties in recent years. The RFU’s decision has been met with resistance from some quarters, particularly those who believe in the principle of sporting merit and the opportunity for clubs to progress through the leagues. Yet, proponents argue that a more stable financial environment is essential for the long-term health of the game.
The changes also raise questions about maintaining the competitive integrity of the Premiership. Cheval acknowledged the need to ensure that all matches remain meaningful, stating, “After that, you have to make sure that all games remain relevant, because when you start having closed leagues, obviously some teams might say it doesn’t matter if we lose.”
Cheval suggested the changes could allow the Premiership to close the gap on the financially powerful Top 14. “Where rugby is at now, I think there’s great potential for development,” he said. He pointed to Red Bull’s investment in Newcastle Falcons as evidence of growing interest in the English game, adding, “If they invest in rugby it’s that they see something that maybe most people don’t see.”
The RFU has insisted it will retain a key role in the governance of the game despite the recent votes, according to a report by City A.M. (google_news). The organisation is currently navigating a period of significant change as it seeks to address the financial and competitive challenges facing English rugby.
