‘Absolutely crazy to dump South Africa’ – British and Irish league proposal and ‘basket case’ English rugby slammed
What could be a regular fixture if a B&I league was created as Northampton take on Leinster.
The proposed British and Irish league has been condemned following reports that the Premiership were seeking to merge with the United Rugby Championship.
It has been claimed by the Telegraph that English clubs are seeking to increase the value of broadcast deals by potentially offering to join forces with their fellow home nations.
The idea of an Anglo-Welsh competition was put forward but combining the home unions is the preferred option for the Premiership investor board, which comprises the club owners.
However, it would likely mean excluding the South African and Italian outfits, something which has been universally condemned.
‘The way to go’
Analyst and Munster fan, Three Red Kings, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “I think a full URC + Prem league is the way to go.
“Cutting off the South Africans would be a colossal mistake, never mind how wrong it would be to throw 20 years of Italian improvement into the bin.
“Failing that, I’d happily wave the Welsh off to their Anglo-Welsh league if it meant sticking with South Africa and Italy.”
British and Irish league proposal takes another twist as Ireland make position clear – report
That post received several responses, with one believing the formation of an Anglo-Welsh league to be the most satisfactory option for all parties.
“This seems to be what would please most people. Ireland, Scot, Italy and SA get to keep URC, Wales get English league and England get a few more clubs,” they wrote.
Welsh fans have grown frustrated by the URC, with their continuing financial woes increasing their desire to see change.
“I think it makes sense for the Welsh teams to leave,” one person stated. “Absolutely crazy to dump SA teams too, they’ve improved club rugby here.”
Another person added: “The teams I’m most worried about getting screwed are the Italians to be honest. SA teams will always draw interest and be fine in the long run, but dumping the Italian teams could be hugely detrimental to pro rugby in Italy.”
Alternate motivation
Money is the obvious factor in the Premiership’s apparent preference to join forces with the other home nations, but some simply see it as the English wanting a piece of the URC pie.
“It has gone from ‘exploring anglo-welsh’ to ‘it won’t work without the Irish’,” The Pirate Rugby Podcast wrote. “And the Irish have said they ain’t going anywhere without the Italians and South Africans.
“This is the English asking to be let in to the URC.”
Another added: “The URC nations, Wales aside, don’t want the basket case that is English club rugby, no matter how much they try to get this idea off the ground by spreading rumours.
“They know PRL aren’t to be trusted after the HEC debacle & the recent soundings against them in the ERCC TV deal.”