National Leagues get online show to shine spotlight on 48 member clubs

NATIONAL League rugby is set for its own weekly highlights show, with part of the proceeds generated going back to its 48 member clubs.

The programme will be broadcast every Sunday at 6pm and will feature three key games from each of the divisions – National League One and National Leagues Two North and South – as well as rounding up all the other action.

Hosted by presenter and commentator Warren Muggleton, the National League Rugby Review is accessible to subscribers for £15 for the season, with a 20 per cent discount before August 15.

Crucially, clubs will receive 40 per cent commission for the first 12 months.

“I've always felt this level of the game was under-represented in terms of public awareness and I think this will be a great way of promoting the game and for the clubs to make money themselves,” said National League Rugby Chairman John Inverdale.

“A lot of very talented players play National League rugby and the matches invariably tend to be more open and less forward-centric.

“With this show, it means if you're in Redruth, you'll be able to watch an amazing try in a match between Tynedale and Wharfedale, which you would never be able to do.”

The government has not yet given permission for full contact games to resume, meaning all Level 3 and 4 clubs will remain Stage D2 on the RFU's Rugby Roadmap, until July 19 at the earliest.

Inverdale says he is “reasonably” confident that the season will be up and running as planned on September 4. “I'd be monumentally disappointed if we didn't,” he said.

“If we can start on the 19th, we'll be fine to play. Most of players Levels 3 and 4 have been keeping themselves very fit and are raring to go. The contact element is basically just a top-up of the fit- the semi-pro playing at ness that they have anyway.”

If Inverdale had his way, the National League Rugby season would be reaching a climax not just starting as autumn approached.

The former BBC frontman is an advocate of summer rugby. “The big lesson over the past few weeks from the Premiership is how the weather impacts on what product we provide. There's been some amazing matches in summer conditions.

“Why is there not a serious debate going on about the sport at all levels, but certainly down to Level 4, being played from March to October?”

Meanwhile, Inverdale is not fearful that promotion and relegation between the Championship and National 1 will not continue despite the RFU Council approving a moratorium between the top two divisions.

“I don't think that economically would make sense because the gulf between the National Leagues and the Championship is not the same as the gulf between the Championship and the Premiership,” he stated.

“There are three to four clubs in National One who would more than hold their own in the Championship.

“I think the more interesting debate is let's have a definitive statement on what the Championship is going to be for the next three years and then everyone can work on that.”

For commercial opportunities on the National League Rugby Review, contact Mike Brennand: email@mikebrennand.co.uk

By JON NEWCOMBE