Premiership: Jason Robinson calls for positive changes in rugby union after Wasps and Worcester’s downfall

Rugby World Cup winner Jason Robinson hopes the recent downfall of Wasps and Worcester will lead to positive changes in the game which will strengthen the current system.

The two clubs have recently gone into administration and have since been suspended from the Premiership due to financial problems.

Relegation looms

Both clubs are set to be relegated from English rugby’s top division, with the future of both institutions now under serious threat.

“It’s really sad. It’s not something I thought would be happening this year,” former England and Sale Sharks star Robinson told Planet Rugby. “But it’s probably made everyone sit up and realise there are certain things that need fixing, and fixing quickly.

“We can’t have clubs like this, with history, just going into administration. Rugby union is a huge sport worldwide.

“The fact this has happened and almost within months, a month of each other, it’s really not good for the game.

“But when these things happen, hopefully it will bring about change which is good and positive and will strengthen the system. Sometimes you don’t know just how something is broken until some of these things are exposed.”

Robinson was speaking in association with Farah menswear, the off-field clothing partner of the Jamaican Rugby League World Cup team.

The 48-year-old is currently the operational director for the side known as Reggae Warriors.

The 2003 Rugby World Cup hero believes both codes have felt the wrath of the Covid-19 pandemic, though he hopes the competition will learn lessons and become stronger.

He added: “I know rugby league, and rugby union, have struggled over the last couple of years due to Covid. Both codes rely on people coming through the turnstiles. The clubs are not owned by billionaires and they have to work to bring people in and bring revenue in.

Difficult situations

“It’s very disappointing. Be interesting to see what comes from it. I feel for the players and staff who have lost their jobs and find themselves in difficult situations at this time – whether it’s looking for clubs or looking for work. Obviously your thought go out to them.

“But hopefully we’ll reignite the competition and it will become stronger.”

Farah menswear has been entwined with Jamaican culture since the 1970s and has continued that tradition, as the official off-field clothing partner for the Jamaican Rugby League World Cup team.

by Seb Sternik

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