Five years? That’s a prison term argue Championship bosses

Championship clubs have reacted furiously to suggestions that Premiership Rugby are seeking a five-year moratorium on promotion and relegation.
As part of their plans to expand England’s top-flight to 14 clubs in season 2016-17, PRL are calling for changes  in the new heads of agreement with the RFU from 2016, believing ring-fencing would provide top-flight clubs with stability they need to attract new investment and develop infrastructure.
The changes, they say, would also give Championship clubs time to develop their businesses before promotion was reintroduced, with Gloucester chief executive Stephen Vaughan saying: “A five-year moratorium would offer that space.”
On that basis, no Championship side could be promoted until 2021. Clive Griffiths, rugby director at ambitious Doncaster, told The Rugby Paper: “Five years… that’s like a prison sentence! It’s far too long and would be totally unacceptable.
“We’ve got great facilities at Doncaster and our goal next season is to be up at the other end of the table, pushing for a top-four place. Beyond that we’d like to go up, but if there are no play-offs and no interest, what’s the point of it?
“I’ve seen a moratorium on promotion and relegation in Rugby League work to an extent when they had licensing in Super League. It worked for clubs like Widnes, Leigh and Featherstone, who had time to get their act together.
“I’m not dead against what the Premiership are trying to do, but five years is too long. Before they do it, please think of the repercussions for the Championship clubs long-term. Whatever happens, we need cast-iron guarantees.”
Cornish Pirates boss Ian Davies concurs: “In terms of a five-year moratorium, you’re talking about careers for players and coaches. It’s a hell of a long time to have no carrot and you may see clubs looking at part-time rugby.
“In that case, nobody’s going to be ready for promotion to the Premiership and you could see lots of very good players giving up professional rugby and playing in the lower leagues.
“And what is the criteria going to be after five years? Is it going to be so tough that it’s unattainable anyway? If so, what’s the point of it?”
Davies warns there may also be unwanted consequences with scrapping relegation.
He added: “There’s no relegation in the PRO12 and you don’t exactly see exciting rugby in that and some clubs are struggling. Some games you just have to switch off the TV because they’re so poor.
“Star players are used less, whereas in the Premiership it’s cut-throat every week, so ring-fencing could potentially weaken the Premiership.
“Aside from London Welsh this year, the Premiership is good viewing from top to bottom, but if you haven’t got that, what’s there to play for? If they think ring-fencing is going to improve rugby, they’re sadly mistaken.”
NEALE HARVEY