A revamped Anglo-Welsh Cup or an expanded Guinness Premiership are the options being pursued by the leading clubs as they look at ways of increasing their number of home fixtures, and revenue, after Twickenham's refusal to sanction six extra league games a season.
The Premiership owners, who between them are looking at losses of around £25m this season, met this week and will make one final push to persuade the Rugby Football Union that playing 28 matches in the regular league season would not compromise player welfare or impact on international rugby.
Knowing the call will be made in vain, they have drawn up contingency plans. A number of owners want the Premiership to be increased to 14 clubs, providing an extra two home matches a season. It would mean spreading the central division of money two more ways, but the majority of clubs, who hold what is called a "p-share" in Premier Rugby, would face only a £40,000 shortfall.
The other idea that will be presented to the RFU when the two sides meet within the next week will be to continue with the Anglo-Welsh Cup but not in its current form. The Premiership clubs want it to be enhanced so that it provides more than three home fixtures every two seasons with the knockout rounds played towards the end of the season.
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Owners Want Premiership Increased to 14 Club
Owners Want Premiership Increased to 14 Club
