Premier/Championship Cup
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Category: League Rugby - www.leaguerugby.co.uk
Forum Name: The Championship Cup
Forum Description: Another competition in which the same clubs play each other...
URL: http://www.leaguerugby.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=19859
Printed Date: 14 May 2024 at 20:29
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Topic: Premier/Championship Cup
Posted By: workerbee
Subject: Premier/Championship Cup
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2023 at 09:57
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Does any have the full list of the 4 pools, two of which will only have 5 teams and will have to play one extra fixture presumably against the other pool of 5 teams? Do we know when the fixtures are out , it is leaving less and less time to promote the games and get sponsors for the 1st Game at home which could be 9th September possibly against a premiership club?
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Replies:
Posted By: The Blues
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2023 at 10:03
| I think July 18th the Premiership fixtures are announced, so maybe then? |
Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2023 at 10:35
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I was at a working party session at Cambridge yesterday, and was told that all the clubs have been given a second version of the draw under embargo, and there was a request from some for a third - due to the problems of proceeding with 22 teams. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: workerbee
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2023 at 11:25
| The problem for a number of teams will be arranging transport and booking hotels for long distance Away games. Especially flying to Jersey and booking a hotel for 30 in Early September |
Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2023 at 11:45
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Well said, but the Premiership sides are in charge, and they do not seem to worry about cost control - after all their sugar daddy will cover the bills. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: gerg_861
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2023 at 13:50
Until they don't.
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Camquin wrote:Posted By: Mark Smith
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2023 at 17:33
| The Prem clubs don’t have the pool draw or the fixtures yet, nor a firm date for their announcement. |
Posted By: workerbee
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2023 at 21:35
| That is crazy, we are only 9 weeks away from the first game all other leagues in the pyramid have had all their fixtures and have been able to plan. This cup is becoming a farce and is proving even more how incompetent the RFU management is especially with the "Second" highest league in the country. |
Posted By: The Blues
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2023 at 00:24
| The issue is 22 teams do not really work, they were expecting there to be 24. |
Posted By: HookerPaul
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2023 at 08:25
Give Saracens a bye to the final. That reduces pools to 21. Any ideas how to drop another one? 
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Posted By: workerbee
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2023 at 10:25
| I believe the original plan was for 2 leagues of 6 and 2 leagues of 5. This meant that the two leagues of 5 would have one game less and only have 2 Premiership clubs. These two leagues would then play and additional game against a team from another league to make up the 5 games. Logically this would be against one of the clubs in the other league of 5. Why it is taking so long to sort out I do not know. However I do believe some of the premiership clubs do not want to play clubs who do not meet their criteria despite the fact that many of them loan out players to these clubs on a regular basis. What ever the reason this needs to be sorted now!! and let the clubs get on with their planning. |
Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2023 at 10:57
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Surely it would make sense for the two leagues of five to play one another. So Each team in pool 1, plays all five teams in pool 2. - as the Premiership Cup used to do for a few seasons. That would mean that all the Premiership sides play two Premiership sides and three championship sides. Admittedly, the Championship sides play either play two Premiership and three Championship sides - pools of five, or three Premiership and two Championship sides - pools of six. But that does not matter, as we are only here to make up the numbers. :-) ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: ParkBench
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2023 at 10:16
Sweeney delenda est. It took 3 years before they listened to Cato. Sweeney has been in power since May 2019 so your campaign is now overdue his come-uppance. I hope the Premiership fans enjoyed seeing their clubs play in somewhat fuller (in terms of percentage occupancy) Championship grounds rather than in empty stadiums*. If they can be reminded that the sky hasn’t fallen on their heads as well then perhaps there will be a groundswell to lose the stadium size / entry cost barriers. Rugby servanda est. * helpful corrections to stadia expected on this forum
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Posted By: billesleyexile
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2023 at 10:24
alea iacta est (I could have been a judge - I *had* the Latin....) ------------- keep the faith |
Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2023 at 10:47
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From Cato to Pete and Dud in two posts. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: billesleyexile
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2023 at 11:22
Cato was very good in Last of the Summer Wine. ------------- keep the faith |
Posted By: HookerPaul
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2023 at 09:59
| And also in The Pink Panther! |
Posted By: SK 88
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2023 at 19:51
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Fixtures & pools being released tomorrow. I've seen a "leak" (accidentally put live article) that had Tigers welcoming Caldy & Ampthill to Welford Road and travelling to renew rivalries with Bedford at Goldington Road. Plus Sale & Newcastle as the Prem teams.
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Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2023 at 20:36
I'd seen a leak that had Leicester at Jersey - presumably these pools have been evolving... ------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: Mark Smith
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2023 at 22:17
| The draw has gone on a bit of a journey, let’s say. So some of the versions some of you have seen over the past few weeks may not be entirely correct. |
Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 01:42
Let's hope there's some geographical logic such as Exeter Bath Bristol Jersey Hartpury Pirates although the inclusion of Bedford & Ampthill in the Northern group as opposed to Doncaster & Nottingham suggests not! Here's hoping!
------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: Whistle watcher
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 07:30
| Coventry, Hartpury, Nottingham, Quins, Gloucs & Saracens |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 07:42
| The rumoured Tigers v Reds match-up is among the 'fake news' items referred to by Smithy above... but yes, all set for 0830 release. |
Posted By: Mark Smith
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 08:09
| Couple of clubs have ‘helpfully’ announced at 0800 for some unknown reason. |
Posted By: corporalcarrot
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 08:29
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https://www.championshiprugby.co.uk/news/article/well-hello-premiership-rugby-cup" rel="nofollow - Well Hello, Premiership Rugby Cup (championshiprugby.co.uk)
Jersey's cross pool fixture is a Friday evening home match up with old friends Ealing. ------------- Dont kick it. Pick it up and GO FORWARD. |
Posted By: The Blues
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 08:32
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Blues have 2 home games v Caldy and Tigers Sale Sharks v BEDFORD BLUES – Saturday 9th September (KO 5:30pm). Newcastle Falcons v BEDFORD BLUES – Friday 15th September (KO 7:45pm). BEDFORD BLUES v Caldy – Saturday 23rd September (KO 3pm). Ampthill v BEDFORD BLUES – Saturday 30th September (KO 3pm). BEDFORD BLUES v Leicester Tigers – Saturday 7th October (KO 3pm). |
Posted By: castleparknight
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 09:01
Knights Fixtures
------------- Onward and Upwards C'mon Donny! |
Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 09:04
| Any championship clubs got 3 home games |
Posted By: Donnyknightfan
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 09:06
That’s a rubbish draw. One home game against a Premiership team is atrocious. ------------- Donny Knights - best team in Yorkshire |
Posted By: castleparknight
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 09:13
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Love the fact that we have to drive down to London two weeks on the bounce - guess one of those fixtures will be missed by some (me included) ------------- Onward and Upwards C'mon Donny! |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 09:17
one home game v Prem club is the most any Champ club has - that's the way it's been worked out I'm afraid. Believe 2 Champ clubs (LS & Cambridge) don't have a single game v Prem oppo at home...
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Posted By: Se7en
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 09:39
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I must say it is nice seeing level 2 clubs mixed in with Prem clubs, you never know there could be a few upsets along the way. I'd say that on a good day Cov could do over Glos, the Blues could beat Falcons, Jersey could win at Bath and Ealing could certainly run Bristol and Saints close (especially at home). Jersey v Chiefs could be great! Its a great idea mixing it all up and I'm looking forward to it all unfold, hopefully without too many cricket scores along the way for the likes of Scottish, the Mob, Caldy and Cambridge. I'm happy all of the players will get the chance to play at the big boys grounds also. Have I seen right that out of the Champ clubs it's only Ealing who will host the TV crews in for a live game, is that because they are the only ones with the right infrastructure for it? Hopefully a Champ club will also get a Round 5 fixtures broadcast from their place also once they've decided where to go.
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Posted By: gerg_861
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 09:41
Yup, this has been utter rubbish. Ealing doesn't end up with either London team in its group. At least Northampton is close enough that some fans may come, but we could have sold out either of the London clubs. 2023/24 Trailfinders Premiership Cup Fixtures Round 1 – Sunday, September 10, 13:00 – Trailfinders v Northampton Saints Round 2 – Sunday, September 17, 14:30 – Bristol Bears v Trailfinders Round 3 – Saturday, September 23, 15:00 – Trailfinders v Doncaster Knights Round 4 – Saturday, September 30, 15:00 – Cambridge v Trailfinders Round 5 – Friday, October 6, 19:30 – Jersey Reds v Trailfinders |
Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 09:41
Sky have screened games at Donny a few times, no problems there
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Posted By: corporalcarrot
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 09:54
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Fixtures live on TNT Sports Round 1 – Sunday, September 10, 1pm – Ealing Trailfinders v Northampton Saints Round 2 – Saturday, September 16, 1pm – Bath Rugby v Jersey Reds Round 3 – Friday, September 22, 7.45pm – Gloucester v Harlequins Round 4 – Sunday, October 1, 2.30pm – Harlequins v Saracens Round 5 – Sunday, October 8, 2pm – To be picked after the first two rounds ------------- Dont kick it. Pick it up and GO FORWARD. |
Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 10:10
At least you get a Premiership club at Home! Like you, Cambridge only have two home fixtures, but then with only 5 games that would always be the case for some teams. You might think that for those with 2 home games, a Premiership side could be included as a trade off. However, it's done. Still can't find the full pool lists anywhere. Error 404 comes up a lot Is this a subliminal message? Bristol on a Friday night will be a challenge for away supporters!
------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: BigChief
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 10:29
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Sun Sept 10th - London Scottish v Jersey Reds Sat Sept 16th - London Scottish v Doncaster Knights Sat 23rd Sept - Bath v London Scottish Sat 30th Sept - Exeter Chiefs v London Scottish Fri 6th Oct - London Scottish v Cornish Pirates Think we could top this group !  ------------- For the ordinary purposes of conversation, a superficial knowledge of many things goes further than an intimacy with one or two. |
Posted By: Se7en
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 10:44
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Posted By: SK 88
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 10:58
The official announcement says Leicester & Exeter swapped groups for "operational" reasons and Nottingham/Clady swapped with London Scottish/Cambridge. The rest was fully structured on finishing position. Looking at the make up of the two pools I suppose it does avoid the only actually tricky travel in the mainland UK of the North East to the South West.
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Posted By: SK 88
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 10:59
https://www.premiershiprugby.com/about/premiership-rugby-cup-new-format" rel="nofollow - https://www.premiershiprugby.com/about/premiership-rugby-cup-new-format Full pool lists in the drop down menus on this link.
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Posted By: Mark Smith
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 11:04
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Newcastle to Exeter isn’t a problem travel-wise, there’s a direct flight. The change in the draw was nothing to do with us.
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Posted By: Bluesman11
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 11:30
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Bedford have some nice local derbys against Sale, Newcastle and Caldy to look forward to, including away trips to the first 2. Not sure the income from our home games (which clash with England RWC games) will cover the travel expenses… Who came up with this tosh? Another incredible display of ineptitude by the RFU. I think everyone involved would rather have had pools done geographically than seeded. Feel like Bedford and Doncaster could’ve agreed to an “operational swap” How difficult would’ve it been to do Sale Newcastle Doncaster Caldy Nottingham Leicester Northampton Bristol Bedford Ampthill Coventry Exeter Bath Gloucester Hartpury Pirates Jersey Saracens Quins Ealing London Scottish Cambridge Not ideal for Nottingham, Cambridge or Bristol (and nothing convenient for Jersey), but it’s considerably better than what we’ve been given.
------------- Championship Prediction League Winner 11/12 |
Posted By: gerg_861
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 12:50
So Bluesman, you've managed in five minutes to produce something 100% better than what has been actually delivered. What has been actually delivered is nevertheless, 100% better than just playing the Championship Cup (again).
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Posted By: TAS63
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 12:53
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Perhaps it's easy to moan, but I am just pleased to see it finally happening. And there is always the chance to improve with experience. I see someone said Pools were based on League finishing position, with a couple of agreed "swops". Reckon that's as decent an approach as any. I understand the sentiment for a regional arrangement, but lets be honest after a couple of years we will all be moaning we keep playing the same teams. Some bits we will be good, some bits will be crap - but, at least, Premiership squads [I am going to hestitate to say teams] will be playing Championship teams. |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 15:10
‘Us’ being Newcastle? Or Newcastle and Exeter?
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Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 15:16
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I agree with those who’ve flagged the positives of this, but also think the no home fixtures v Prem sides for LS & Camb, based on last season’s performance, is a pity. What were Camb meant to do - finish higher than 1st in Nat 1? Those accusing the RFU of mis-organising this competition are missing the point - it’s organised by Prem Rugby & invites have only been issued with strings attached. Not perfect, but those are the cards that have been dealt.
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Posted By: Runitback
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 15:43
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No issue for Falcons travelling to Exeter, well it is if you are a fan, which sort of sums up the problem!!! And strangely Falcons desperately need fans ------------- Run with it |
Posted By: Mark Smith
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 16:07
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“Us” meaning Newcastle. And the direct flight is also open to fans.
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Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 16:39
Thanks. Reason for asking was that perhaps Exeter requested the switch… not that there’s any guarantee we’ll find out, or that it really matters…
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Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 17:10
No doubt the Burrow will show the England games, not sure if the Marquee has a TV. Does Scrum Hall still have a Telly? ------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused. |
Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 17:58
------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 17:59
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One day I'll learn how to delete post ------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: tigerburnie
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 18:32
| I'd imagine players at Caldy and Amptill are looking forwards to playing at Welford Road and it will be like old time when the Tigers go to Goldington Road. |
Posted By: Mark Smith
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 18:39
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Think you’re getting warmer there, Islander
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Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 19:02
As this is a Cup competition, I assume gates are being split 60%/40% as is normal  ------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: corporalcarrot
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 20:34
------------- Dont kick it. Pick it up and GO FORWARD. |
Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 21:08
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It has been pointed out Quins play the Barbarians and Nottingham at the same time. Well 15 minutes apart. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2023 at 22:41
Well it was in 2005!!! They don't make cups like they used to!
------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: Bluesman11
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2023 at 00:02
It’s probably 90%/10% to the prem side, regardless of who’s at home… ------------- Championship Prediction League Winner 11/12 |
Posted By: tigerburnie
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2023 at 08:52
| I believe all tv money is going to the PRL sides, no idea about gate money, you'd hope the Championship sides keep theirs. |
Posted By: tigerburnie
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2023 at 08:55
| Reminds me of the old merit tables in the amateur days looking at those pools, a few different teams there and some famous ones missing. |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2023 at 09:20
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Legalized money laundering. As anything to do with the Prem seems to be. ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2023 at 09:51
Don't know about that. Last time I used a laundry I left with all the clothes I put in at the start.
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Posted By: Jasper99
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2023 at 10:29
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Since when was the Premiership Cup interesting or worthwhile? Other than the eventual winners who appear to parade the Cup around as though it was all in their grand plan? Nobody actually cares. If Jersey or Ealing do well against whoever's second team/academy team/anyone else the Prem team can find to play who cares? Pointless stocking filler
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Posted By: *Stalwart
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2023 at 10:44
It's a lot better than simply playing the same teams as in the league. I think it will generate a lot of interest. For example, when Pirates play Bath a lot of people will come out to watch, even if the Bath squad is not their first team. ------------- *Stalwart |
Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2023 at 10:53
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Begs the question about player burn out - similar to 16 team leagues. Premiership fixtures at Home will be a draw - if you have one 😎
------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: Geoff DC
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2023 at 12:20
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Looking at the Premiership boards, it seems to have generated a fair bit of interest and support. Different teams to play and different grounds to visit. |
Posted By: corporalcarrot
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2023 at 13:33
------------- Dont kick it. Pick it up and GO FORWARD. |
Posted By: The Blues
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2023 at 15:25
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I certainly have more interest than playing the same teams over and over again! The one home game against tigers will generate a lot of income. Just a shame TNT isn’t showing a champ v prem game every televised match.
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Posted By: kempstonblue
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2023 at 15:36
This season it feels like a preseason friendly event. Which at group stage it is, to allow clubs to tick over before October. ------------- The older I get, the more the RFU leave me confused. |
Posted By: Trailfinder
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2023 at 15:56
| The last couple of seasons without promotion and relegation has seen both leagues become quite stale. It’s far from ideal (groups of 5 with home and away would have been great, one of the many downsides of the loss of Wasps, Irish and Worcester) but this certainly puts some variety into the mix for fans and I am sure the Champ players will relish the opportunity to show what they’ve got against a Prem outfit. If the Champ can get a few turnovers against Prem teams that will be brilliant for the profile of the Champ and will inject some much needed interest and kudos. |
Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2023 at 16:51
My lads under 13s might even make it over for that. It will mostly depend on RWC clashes to be honest.
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Posted By: Jasper99
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2023 at 06:47
Hahaha CorporalC the sad thing is that you can't see past your nose! The Premiership Cup Mishmash doesn't extend your audience when Prem sides aren't invested in it and scrabble around BUCS and Nat 1 teams last minute to assemble some sort of side. If you welcome pyrrhic victories that's fine, but fundamentally it's not extending your audience if the competition is hollow, unfairly weighted and ill thought through.
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Posted By: workerbee
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2023 at 10:00
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The reality is that this format will only last for one season until the new league format is set up with the two premier leagues of 10. The sad thing is that we are now 6 weeks away from the start of another season with no knowledge what we are playing for in Promotion or relegation.
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Posted By: Brizzer
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2023 at 10:33
I’m with CC on this one. The competition is 100 times better than the old Championship cup. More importantly, we have been banging on about how we should be given the opportunity to compete against the cartel and this is now our chance. Ok, the international players will be at the WC, so if the Champ sides are put to the sword it provides the RFU & PL with all the ammo that they need. However, if a few of the Champ sides turn them over, then it adds a huge amount of weight to the argument against ring fencing. This is our chance, we have to take it. ------------- Tackle Low!!!!! |
Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2023 at 16:18
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Magic pool: Leicester Northampton Coventry Nottingham Bedford Ampthill ------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: Runitback
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2023 at 17:06
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What will really devalue it is if we get a situation where a prem team is playing a champ team fielding 10 DRs and loan players from a Prem side. Going into another season without knowing the future structure is again absurd. When will there be a vote of no confidence!! ------------- Run with it |
Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2023 at 18:03
They're in a different pool ------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: tigerburnie
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2023 at 18:19
| I can assure that at least one Premiership side will be fielding their strongest sides, getting them ready for the league to start, blooding new signings as after the World Cup there are rest weeks to be completed, there will be no National league players in the side I have in mind. Sure there will be a string of internationals missing, but you will not find many names that you have not heard of before. |
Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2023 at 19:18
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Runitback To get a vote of no confidence, you need to get the junior clubs to submit requests, as there are not enough senior clubs. So you have to find an issue they care about. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: WEvans
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2023 at 12:53
Indeed. Sadly the future of English rugby isn't sufficient for most of them.
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Posted By: Cherub
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2023 at 16:05
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I know things are nowhere near perfect, and that the decision-making from the RFU has been weak and belated. But at least we now know what is happening in the approaching season with a full fixture list and a new cup competition to replace the recent ridiculous Championship Cup. Ampthill now know they will be playing three different sides in the Cup in Newcastle, Sale, and Leicester, and one in the league in Cambridge. That really is quite refreshing, even if the Premiership boys send their Colts team to play the fixtures. From this supporter's viewpoint it is a change for the better. ------------- Always trying to stay bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. |
Posted By: workerbee
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2023 at 21:40
| Yes we know the fixtures for next season but it is 24/25 we need to know what is happening, we do not know what 24/25 league is or how many will be relegated at the end of this season, we do not know if Nat 1 will be one or two leagues North and South, or if the proposal for Prem 2 is going ahead with Franchise clubs to be invited to apply pushing even more don into Level 3. Surely someone must know something or is this the "Mushroom" league , kept in the dark and??? |
Posted By: billesleyexile
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2023 at 11:45
Which is why the mushroom league is National 1... We're just sitting here waiting for the two divisions above to come to some sort of agreement on how exactly we're to be shafted for the convenience of any remaining haves. That some of level 2 might be coming to join the have nots is interesting only in so far as it's going to cause a ripple of largely undeserved relegations down the pyramid. ------------- keep the faith |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2023 at 12:41
| There's been talk that the current arrangement, due to end in 2024 when a new Professional Game Agreement would be brought in, will be extended by 12 months, with new PGA following introduced in time for summer 2025. Hopefully there may be some clarity on this before league action starts... |
Posted By: WEvans
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2023 at 13:33
Unlike last season when we didn't know how many teams would be relegated from Nat 1 until the evening of the penultimate day of the scheduled season? And some people still believe the RFU are fit for purpose!
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Posted By: billesleyexile
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2023 at 16:56
Quite, and here we are again... How many clubs going up from National 1 at the end of the season 23/24? Don't know. How many going down? Don't know. Dividing into two leagues? Don't know. How many coming down from level 2? Don't know. And so on down the pyramid. At least in the Championship *some* clubs will be in a lifeboat because all anyone seems to be talking about now is how we have to help the Championship improve as part of the solution to English professional rugby.* It's getting like the end of Bridge on the River Kwai, only eventually the representatives of English 'professional' rugby (ha) are going to have to fall on the plunger. Alec Guinness: 'What have I done?' *my take on English professional rugby, to misquote Gandhi, is it might be worth trying. ------------- keep the faith |
Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2023 at 18:15
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And of course, the financial plans and the PGA should have to be ratified by the clubs, but due to modernization, the Executive can agree it with the PRL and it is a fait accompli. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: tigerburnie
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2023 at 18:54
| My understanding is that the clubs have been involved in the consultation, so they know pretty much what is coming, so hardly a fait acompli, although this is the RFU we are talking about, so the posts could still shift. What is ominous is there's zero news on the three folded clubs intentions, no mention of them joining at the bottom of the pyramid, so I expect an unseemly hash to be made of next years second level and below. |
Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2023 at 20:33
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The clubs have been in discussion over the league reorganization, but are not consulted on the financial details. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: Halliford
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2023 at 11:51
| It would take some volcanic restructuring to bring the three folded clubs back in at Level 2. Wasps and Irish have no ground to play on and the RFU have already said they don't trust Worcester. Wasps have a secure amateur club from which to rebuild but Irish Amateur play on a ground which they lease from the Administrator now. His role is to maximise benefit for creditors and that may not include having an amateur rugby team playing there. |
Posted By: tigerburnie
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2023 at 12:32
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I'm not 100 percent, but I believe Holland, who owns the Wasps name owns the 6 ways stadium, it's all very murky, he did at one point say that Wasps would play at their training ground which I think he owned, but seemingly Birmingham City FC now own that training ground. Someone somewhere ought to be keeping an eye on asset strippers ripping some rugby clubs apart. A quick look around the RFU site shows no sign of any of the three clubs having a fresh start at the bottom, this leads me to believe that the RFU have other plans for them, not I fear likely to endear them to many other clubs.
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Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2023 at 12:45
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I think the administrator may still own Sixways, the last report was in May, and Atlas had not completed the purchase at that point. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: tigerburnie
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2023 at 13:13
| Atlas took a loan from Holland which had to paid back in a month, that loan was secured against 6ways, but I haven't heard if Atlas had any money to pay the loan or not, all very secretive, which makes you think the worst. |
Posted By: WEvans
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2023 at 17:48
Wasps playing at Worcester isn't that much of a stretch to be honest. We have already seen how keen the RFU were to parachute Wasps into the Championship and matching a favoured club with an empty ground shouldn't present too much of a problem. Wasps rebuilding via the independent amateur club seems a non starter as the amateurs seem far too sensible to want to have anything to do with the professional failures who in turn appear far too entitled to want to mix with these lowly rugby types.
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