Rugby administrators will gather in Dublin today to see whether the current framework of European Rugby can survive the latest hammer blow of Welsh clubs revealing last night that they now fully support the Rugby Champions’ Cup proposed by the elite clubs of England and France.
A statement released by the umbrella group that represents the Ospreys, Cardiff Blues, Scarlets and Newport Gwent Dragons left very little area for doubt over the intention of the clubs at the end of the current season.
“Regional Rugby Wales, on behalf of the four Welsh regions, confirms its full support for the proposed new Rugby Champions Cup competitions.
“Whilst there remain elements of detail to be confirmed, it is now clear that there are a number of significant advantages to the new competitions in equality of governance, format, qualification and distribution across the individual participating clubs.
“Consequently, RRW looks forward to working with the WRU (Welsh Rugby Union) to support their efforts and positive engagement in striving to ensure our teams are involved in strong, valuable European clubs competitions in time for next season.”
That now leaves the Irish, Scottish and Italian Clubs on the outside of the new structure and with uncertainty in domestic terms caused by the withdrawal of Rabobank from sponsorship of the Pro12.
European Rugby Cup Limited have done an excellent job in building a tournament that captured the imagination and helped greatly in bringing viability to professional rugby.
The perceived imbalance of qualification and reward prompted English and French clubs to lay down a serious challenge to the governing bodies of the sport. This development from Wales appears to be an ace in their hand and it has been played in theatrical style almost as a coup de grace.
From a fans point of view, they want the ability to enjoy days and nights against top class opposition, such as they have become used to.
From a sponsors perspective, little contact has yet been established with the existing sponsors Heineken and Amlin and it is only after a resolution that those discussions, as well as potentially with others can begin to take place.
For the Irish provinces there may yet be a radical change in the relationship with the IRFU and a greater degree of autonomy. That will though be matched by a greater need for financial support through commercial partnerships and relationships.
This is a difficult day for rugby. The challenges it faces are borne of the success it has built in terms of attracting fans, sponsors and critically, TV audiences. It can meet those challenges through the courts, as has been suggested, or it can look to build a new structure behind the scenes that provides fans at home and in the stadia from continuing to see 15 players take on 15 players in a competition that excites.
If, after absorbing the impact of the Welsh decision last night, the administrators sat down to watch the highlights of the UEFA Champions’ League, they will at least take some comfort that change and development are not necessarily a bad thing.
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