RFU Confirms Unwavering Influence Amid Critical Governance Votes
The Rugby Football Union has emphatically stated that it will maintain its pivotal position within English rugby, irrespective of the outcomes from two crucial votes scheduled for this week. These votes could potentially lead to the ringfencing of Premiership Rugby, marking a significant structural shift in the sport.
Upcoming Votes on Governance and Project Forge
On Friday, the RFU Council is set to deliberate on proposals detailed in a recent Governance and Representation Review. Simultaneously, the council is expected to approve Project Forge, a strategic initiative designed to temporarily separate the top-tier league from the broader rugby pyramid. This separation is intended as a precursor to league expansion in the forthcoming seasons.
The RFU, which is owned by its members, has reassured stakeholders that this proposed change will not diminish the authority of the oversight council or the governing body itself. The development of Project Forge has involved collaboration among multiple entities, including Premiership Rugby, the RFU, and the Tier 2 board representing Championship Rugby.
Commercial Focus and Collaborative Efforts
In an exclusive interview with City AM, RFU chief commercial officer Claudio Borges emphasized the collective goal of enhancing rugby's commercial appeal to attract investors. "I think we're all focused on the same thing, which is to make rugby from a commercial perspective attractive for investors," Borges stated. "And that's what's important."
Borges highlighted the collaborative nature of the process, involving Premiership Rugby and Championship Rugby, to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of the sport. He expressed confidence that the RFU's role would not be undermined but rather strengthened. "I'm not necessarily concerned about making what we're doing redundant. I think it'll be the other way around – we'll just make it even more powerful in terms of what we're trying to deliver for the sport," he added.
Securing the RFU's Future Role
The Men's Professional Game Partnership, which extends until 2032, guarantees the RFU a substantial voice in the management of the club game. This agreement provides a foundation for the RFU's continued involvement, even as Project Forge promises to introduce the most transformative changes in rugby's professional era.
Project Forge outlines ambitious plans to initially expand Premiership Rugby to 12 teams, with a long-term vision of reaching 20 teams by 2040. A points-based criteria system, similar to the contentious model used in rugby league, may be implemented to determine league membership. This follows reports that Premiership Rugby rejected earlier proposals from a review led by Deloitte and supported by the Raine Group, which suggested raising minimum stadium requirements to 15,000.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The potential approval on Friday builds upon a meeting in October where the RFU Council endorsed a plan advocating for "the rationale and the need for change." Borges reiterated the democratic nature of the RFU, noting, "At the end of the day we are a member organisation and that's why there's a process on how these things are agreed and discussed and voted on." He concluded, "It's definitely going to be an interesting week."
Looking ahead, early contenders for inclusion in an expanded Premiership Rugby by 2029 include Worcester Warriors and Ealing Trailfinders. Additionally, there is potential for the return of historic clubs such as London Irish and Wasps, which could be reintegrated in time to participate in the expanded league structure.
