PREMIERSHIP coaches have given their backing to Warren Gatland’s call for an Anglo-Welsh league – as long as the finances add up.
Wales head coach Gatland said last month he would like to see the Gallagher Premiership clubs and the four Welsh regions combine forces and renew a rivalry that was a big feature of the game until the RFU introduced leagues in 1987.
The Welsh regions are struggling financially with their budgets for next season cut at a time when they are having to repay a Covid loan. It has led to an exodus of players.
Three Premiership clubs folded last season after piling up debts and the top flight has been reduced to 10. Losses are still being accumulated with Sale, Exeter and Bristol recently reporting a combined deficit of £14m.
“It is an interesting concept and one I would not be against,” said Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter, below, whose side played the Scarlets yesterday in a friendly.
“It would depend on how much money there is.
That is what drives league structures, television and spons o r s h i p deals and opportunities for big gates.
“The approach we must have is what makes us most viable as clubs and the question is the same for the Welsh regions. Revenue is the key. I have no problem with the idea of it – it would be fantastic going to games in Wales and it would cut down our travel costs.
“If there is a taste for it and a willingness from backers I would say it is likely to happen. If not, then it would be unlikely but if enough people want it, I do not think there would be much of a debate.”
The Premiership is currently having its first mid-season break with the league suspended for the duration of the Six Nations, although the Premiership Rugby Cup will be played to its conclusion.
Owners have welcomed the ending of fixture clashes when the championship was held because it means their clubs are able to pick from strength for the vast majority of the Premiership rounds.
“We are on the cusp in the Premiership of saying we have not got enough games,” said Baxter. “There has been a big drive from owners and investors not to have clashes with the Six Nations but it is a long time to go without games.
“Where is the fine line between too many and too few? I always thought 12 clubs was pretty good, but what would be the level of fixtures before there was a clash with the Six Nations, something the regions would want to avoid because of the number of players they supply to the national side?”
A current debate in English rugby is the future of the Championship with the RFU wanting the second tier made up of clubs who all have the ambition of getting promoted. If the regions were added to the mix and Worcester, Wasps and London Irish were reform
