NEW THINGS SHAKING UP IN THE ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP

There are plans to make the English Premiership a stand-alone, ring-fenced expansion league starting in 2029–2030.

According to information obtained by The Times, Premiership Rugby, Championship Rugby, and the RFU are collaborating on a plan that would see the top division separate from the conventional English pyramid. After promotion and relegation were essentially suspended during lockdown, talks on a franchise-style arrangement gained momentum. A ring-fenced league, according to supporters, would provide investors and club owners with financial stability by eliminating the possibility of relegation into the Championship.

According to one source, investors "don't want to risk it all on the pitch," and Bath owner Bruce Craig has already said that such a strategy is crucial for the long-term viability of professional rugby in England. The current ten Premiership clubs would start the new tournament, according to the idea. Instead of automatic promotion, future expansion teams would be chosen based on geography, brand value, and commercial strength. In order to give ample time to prepare for the 2029–2030 launch, expressions of interest could be requested in 2027.

After reporting an after-tax deficit of £10.3 million (R228 million), Exeter Chiefs chairman Tony Rowe reiterated a four-year schedule and disclosed the team is looking for additional funding.

"We need to move on, the club needs to move on, and we're searching for an investor," Rowe said to the BBC. "Until we get to franchise, which is probably in the next four years, it will require a little money over the next two or three years."

While the Championship has denounced the concept as "anti-sport," RFU CEO Bill Sweeney has shown support for the franchise model.

The RFU council would need to approve any changes, and a proposal might be presented as early as next month.