Anyone in doubt about the magical properties promotion–relegation can have in galvanising a sport need look no further than the sensational battle between York City and Rochdale to become champions of the National League, the fifth tier of English football.
The story has made the headlines on TV, radio, and newspapers (print and online) and gripped sports fans across the country because of the drama in a season in which league leaders York and second-placed Rochdale – both on more than 100 points – will play each other on the final day of the season on Saturday in what could be a straight shoot-out for the title.
What a climax, and what a savage contrast to English rugby union, where no promotion-relegation is allowed between the Prem and the Champ, despite Ealing, the reigning champions and runaway second-tier leaders, being 25 points clear at the top after an unbeaten season.
This myopic policy has reduced the matches at the bottom of the Prem, with no jeopardy and diminished competitive edge, into exercises in going through the motions.
By the same token, the action at the top of the Champ is devalued by a team which is at the top of its game, being denied the right to progress.
If you were looking for a way to kill interest in a sport, then rugby union has found the formula – whereas the round ball game is reaching for the stars.
When it comes to self-harm, rugby union is in a league of its own.
PICTURE: Alamy
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