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This weekend ought to ideally usher in a transformative period. The traditional second-tier league, rugby union's second tier, has transformed into "this new league" and, initially, the proposal seems optimistic. A freshly rebranded competition, Worcester back in business, a live streaming partner in Clubber TV, gifted individuals ready to compete. Plus for the champion team, insist the organisers, the top reward of elevation to the top flight.

Possible Disintegration Ahead of Crucial Gathering

Just try to embrace this hopeful scenario for a moment, notably in the optimistic conclusion of a excellent Women’s Rugby World Cup. As, unfortunately, it faces a threat of collapsing, ahead of the governing body convened on the end of the week to debate the top teams' drive of a franchise-based model that would limit dropping down for the elite.

More information are being examined by representatives with a full vote unlikely for another four months. The Tier 2 chair, chair of Tier 2 Rugby, is also firm that the situation are not so simple as elite supporters are claiming: "The view of the Champ board remains the same. The essence of athletics is hope and jeopardy and we need to have a structure that rewards on-field achievements and penalizes losses."

Promotion Goalposts Could Move Again

What everyone truly desires to learn, though, is whether the promotion goalposts will once again be altered in mid-season? Regarding this, he cannot yet be wholly definitive. "The ideal outcome is that we’ve agreed dropping down ends from the Prem so the victor of the current post-season advances," he says. "The least favorable outcome is we fail to reach a deal and the current legislation continues, specifically a showdown between the last placed Prem side and the number one in the second division."

Intriguing. It's widely understood that the Prem would aim to increase to at least 12 teams and the comeback of a reborn Worcester, with their ground and followers, would fit snugly into that vision. However down the line? He emphasizes that, in the updated structure, some traditional teams will need to enhance their operations imminently or risk others replacing them. "We have half a dozen clubs who are will need to enhance their grounds to continue in the competition," he warns. "Perhaps certain teams feel they are unwilling to commit funds. They might exclude themselves."

Doubt Affects Leaders and Players

All of which results in the majority of second-tier managers and players facing yet more agreement-related and financial uncertainty. Take Bedford’s a veteran coach, who has seen a lot of beginnings throughout his 20 seasons in charge at his club's home. "We’ve almost arrived at the point where it appears there’s a bit of stability and unexpectedly it's possible of the drawbridge shutting once more," comments the past star. "This has been the situation at the Championship for 15 or 20 years."

In another case this week they have been lamenting the departure of a prospective new American backer who withdrew over the uncertainty regarding possible entry to the Prem. And listen to an ex-official, a past player Simon Halliday, who is still frustrated at the way the participants have together been managed and at the notion of favoured Prem wannabes being chosen: "Elite rugby's and RFU plan is pick a set of clubs to fit their financial goals. Should the future seasons are a shambles [for the Champ] it won't matter to them."

Commercial Gap Among Leagues

To which, certain top-flight bosses will argue the economic disparity among the divisions has become vast that adjustment has proven unavoidable. It is an easier argument to make in the follow-up of one club's shotgun marriage with the global brand the energy drink company – but not at another team who have an similarly confident investor and yet are nonetheless, to their frustration, excluded. Having topped the previous standings and been assured they were at last in the eligibility discussion, it is claimed they were later "abandoned" over fears Newcastle would fail if they were relegated.

Different voices publicly question about the fairness of the allegedly solid eight-year deal involving the RFU and the elite league being amended only one year later. Additionally, an ex-international a dissenting voice, presently his club's manager, is still adamantly opposed to a franchise model. "The history of competition in Europe and the UK is about jeopardy and reward," he says. "That’s what you’re playing for. That’s why we have the most passionate supporters in the world. It also attracts crowds and generates excitement. Look at France who have the best-performing organization in the sport. Indeed, there are distinctions in local support and TV income but that's effective. It's popular."

Demotion Doesn't Lead to Collapse

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