Last week, my Telegraph Sport colleagues reported on changes that could significantly impact the highest level of English professional rugby. The Premiership plans to eliminate existing restrictions on large-scale investment by implementing a new franchise format. The primary aspects of this proposal are:
- An expanded 12-team league, abolishing relegation, but maintaining promotion to support expansion to 14 teams
- Revising promotion criteria to include factors such as fan base, financial stability and regional value
- Centralisation of commercial operations, including broadcast and merchandise rights and kit deals under control of an NFL-like commissioner
- The potential rebranding of the league.