“ Peace In Our Time?” No chance!
A full house, 9.5.26?
By Paul I
December 15 2025
So, how is your season going? As well as you thought it would be? The, and it has to be said, massive turnover of players was bound to lead to a period of ' bedding in.' And that's, imo, is how it has been turning out. I am sure we all have our favourites, can see faults with some, but, and I think it's worth saying this, the team are as united as a team as I have seen in recent years. I know the coaching staff have full confidence in this squad to make the end of season play-offs. That's if they actually happen.
The piece in the Guardian on Monday morning would have had some people choking on their breakfast cereals! The basic thrust of the article was, with a headline of..
' Prem Rugby to seek investors if RFU backs relegation- free franchise league.' This was followed by ' The league wants a new cash injection after a turbulent few years, with several US investors understood to be interested in buying into English sport.' This leaves the probability of the game being ring-fenced for the next 5 years. As was ever thus, the bully boys, trying to ride roughshod over the rest of the game. So where does this possibility leave Champ and National League clubs? Up a creek without a paddle I would suggest. I gather this is likely to be approved by the nodding dogs at the next RFU Council meeting in February.
This possibility grows ever closer, with action to fight against it offering a very short timescale.
What should be done? What can be done? Opinions please. As money seems to be so important to the elite, all RFU funding to Prem clubs should be stopped. I understand it is possibly £3.3m that goes to the Prem. Stop it now.
Myself personally, its just the ' little bit' type effort from me. I have stopped supporting England in person, won't go any matches. The fact that I thought I was being taken for granted as a ' cash cow' certainly helped! Over the top ticket prices, accommodations etc, it was just getting far too much. A real shame. Whilst I don't think rugby will get to quite the levels of World Cup 2026 , these costs will only grow. Sorry, I am out.
Time for The Whole Game Union to come out of hibernation I feel. What do you feel or are we all going to be treated as second class citizens again?
The floor is yours......
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:25:12:11:37 by Kimbo.
The Premiership clubs will have to find game time for their aspiring squad players, but as they will have ring fenced almost all of the money, they can sort it it out for themselves. It is clear to me that the Premiership clubs only have an interest in the wider game, as long as they control it.
Some commentators point to the financial chasm between the Premiership and Championship clubs, but that has been created in large part by the ring fencing of the TV and RFU monies. There is a financial chasm between the top two leagues in football, but it does not stop "smaller" teams such as Brentford (ground capacity 17,250) and Bournemouth (ground capacity 11,307) being relatively successful in the Premier League.
If Cov were in the Premiership (having made the necessary infrastructure improvements) who is to say that we could not generate the same level of crowds as Sale or Newcastle?
Yes, let's be as successful as the NFL, built on mega TV deals, but leading to audience fatigue?
Anyway, this is all dependent on the RFU Council views and control or voting this through. Early days yet.
Sadly, the way things are going, I'm losing more and more interest in the game, and I can't see that changing. I doubt I'm the only one, given how Champ crowds has suffered this season.
It pains me to admit that I've bought my last season ticket (after following the club for around 60 years), and I'll probably get over for very few games in future. I still have a deep love for Cov, but my current eye condition which is steadily destroying my sight (not going to improve) coupled with my utter disgust at the RFU means that I'll be doing my supporting from afar from now on.
How depressing.
The Prem to me is a tedious league with the few existing clubs putting in performances now and then and on other days 'content' to taking horrific beatings.
The current European competition attracts fewer spectators than the Heineken Cup did and from what those that follow it say has become lacklustre
All this without mentioning the Champ does indeed feel depressing.
Love to watch a junior club game now and then, the spirit of the game is still there!
Given this situation, do the RFU have a vision for the future of the Championship which will maintain the interest of supporters and sponsors? I think that I can guess the answer!
Grass roots sport everywhere has to look after itself. I really don't know what the future holds with these sort of people in charge and money talking louder than common sense. I could go on, but I am sure you all think similarly.
Quote:Bath are very well known for gouging.Cov1981
I occasionally watch Saints when Cov are not at home and they have a very attractive game away at Bath on Saturday. Prices for the very few tickets left - adult £149 (even in the very open temporary stand seating) with at some at £99, students £89 - Wow !!!!
Ridiculous prices.
Quote:KimboQuote:Bath are very well known for gouging.Cov1981
I occasionally watch Saints when Cov are not at home and they have a very attractive game away at Bath on Saturday. Prices for the very few tickets left - adult £149 (even in the very open temporary stand seating) with at some at £99, students £89 - Wow !!!!
Ridiculous prices.
Etzebeth and Bath then.
Quote:The former only gouges one at a time though.SunMan62Quote:KimboQuote:Bath are very well known for gouging.Cov1981
I occasionally watch Saints when Cov are not at home and they have a very attractive game away at Bath on Saturday. Prices for the very few tickets left - adult £149 (even in the very open temporary stand seating) with at some at £99, students £89 - Wow !!!!
Ridiculous prices.
Etzebeth and Bath then.
Allegedly.