Project Forge: A Comprehensive Plan to Reshape English Rugby
This morning, the RFU Council is expected to give its approval to a groundbreaking initiative known as Project Forge, a strategy poised to fundamentally transform the landscape of club rugby in England. Designed as a potential remedy for a domestic game in urgent need of a financial uplift, this plan could mark a pivotal moment for the sport. Based on extensive reports circulating this week, here is an early assessment of the key principles underpinning Project Forge.
Stadium Capacity: A Pragmatic Decision
Fortunately, the proposed mandate to increase minimum stadium capacity from 10,001 to 15,000 seats has been decisively rejected by Premiership Rugby. While the idea might have seemed appealing on paper, it would have likely resulted in broadcasting images of empty stands to viewers, undermining the league's appeal. It is a relief that this element was discarded early in the process, allowing for more realistic approaches to fan engagement.
Ringfencing and Expansion: A Strategic Move
A major headline policy involves ringfencing the Premiership in the short term, with plans to expand to 12 teams in the coming seasons. This move is strongly supported, as it promises to enhance the quality of the product. By eliminating the threat of relegation, existing clubs can operate with greater confidence, fostering growth and attracting investment. The expansion will serve as an early referendum on the new system's success. If stakeholders can attract new teams eager to join the league, rather than relying on revived entities like London Irish or Worcester Warriors, it would signal a significant vote of confidence in the restructuring efforts.
Ambitious Growth: Regional Teams by 2040
The reported ambition to expand the league to up to 20 teams by 2040 is undeniably exciting, yet it raises questions about realism. Will these new teams, potentially drawn from Championship Rugby clubs or created as entirely new entities, be capable of engaging with communities and building robust fanbases? While pumping tens of millions into regions currently underserved by Premiership clubs could be beneficial, it might also draw supporters away from existing teams, creating gaps elsewhere in the nation. This vision, if realized, would be thrilling, but it may be overly ambitious at this stage.
Welsh Inclusion: A Missed Opportunity?
Some reports indicate that the soon-to-be-ditched Welsh region is not a target for inclusion. This could be a misstep. Although the Welsh Rugby Union's long-term commitment to the United Rugby Championship remains uncertain, when that agreement is up for renewal, Premiership Rugby should actively engage to ensure the expanded league extends across the border. Such a move would be advantageous for the game overall and bolster the league's future prospects.
Tender Process and Women's Game: Ensuring Quality and Diversity
The implementation of Project Forge will involve a tender process, evaluating current or new ventures against a set of criteria. This includes commitments to women's rugby, though there is hope that the women's game will not merely mirror the men's structure, allowing ambitious outfits similar to football's London City Lionesses to emerge as surprises in the top flight. A grading system will be established to ensure teams meet suitability standards, though existing issues with stadium quality must be addressed. This aspect elicits mixed feelings, as it balances potential with practical challenges.
Revenue Sharing: Incentivizing Investment
The Men's Professional Game Partnership, an agreement among stakeholders in English rugby, is entering a new phase. Under this scheme, clubs will receive 26 percent of RFU profits before rugby investment, moving away from the previous guarantee of £33 million per season. This profit-sharing model is commendable as it incentivizes clubs to support the English game and seek investment. However, a key concern is ensuring that funds earmarked for grassroots and community initiatives are not diluted, preserving the sport's foundation.
Former England Sevens captain Ollie Phillips, founder of Optimist Performance, provides this analysis. Follow Ollie @OlliePhillips11 for further insights.
