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Saturday and Sunday ought to theoretically usher in a transformative period. The old second-tier league, the sport's second tier, has changed into "this new league" and, at first glance, the proposal seems optimistic. A freshly rebranded league, Worcester back in business, an online platform in Clubber TV, skilled athletes ready to compete. Plus for the title holders, insist the organisers, the grand goal of advancement to the top flight.

Potential Dissolution Ahead of Key Gathering

Make an effort to embrace this blissed-out vision temporarily, notably in the positive conclusion of a impressive Women’s Rugby World Cup. As, sadly, it is in some danger of fading, prior to the governing body met on the end of the week to debate the top teams' quest of a franchise-based model that would curtail dropping down for the top sides.

Additional specifics are being examined by officials with a full vote unlikely for several more months. A key figure, chair of Tier 2 Rugby, is also firm that matters are more complex as elite supporters are stating: "The position of the organizers remains the same. The essence of athletics is hope and risk and we need to have a structure that rewards on-field achievements and addresses losses."

Elevation Criteria May Shift Again

What everyone really wants to learn, though, is whether the promotion goalposts will yet again be shifted midway through? On that front, the official is not yet able to be completely certain. "The ideal outcome is that there's consensus dropping down ends from the Prem and thus the winner of this season’s post-season is promoted," he explains. "The downside is we are unable to find consensus and the present system remains, namely a final match between the last placed top-tier team and the number one in the second division."

Notable. Many recognize that the Prem would want to increase to no fewer than more sides and the return of a reborn the club, with their venue and followers, would fit snugly into this plan. However in the future? Gillham emphasizes that, in the updated structure, including established teams will have to smarten up their act imminently or potentially rivals taking over from them. "We have a number of teams who are must enhance their grounds in order to stay in the competition," he warns. "Maybe some clubs believe they don’t want to spend money. They may withdraw."

Uncertainty Affects Coaches and Participants

All of which results in the bulk of second-tier coaches and competitors facing yet more agreement-related and financial uncertainty. Take Bedford’s an experienced figure, who has witnessed many fresh starts over his 20 seasons leading at his club's home. "We’ve almost arrived at the stage where it appears we have some stability and abruptly it's possible of the gate being closed up again," comments the former Wales international. "It’s been the situation at the second tier for a long time."

In another case lately they have been regretting the loss of a possible new American backer who withdrew due to the ambiguity surrounding potential entry to the elite league. And listen to Gillham’s predecessor, an ex-international a critic, who is still outraged at the approach the participants have collectively been managed and at the idea of selected candidates being selected: "The top division's and RFU want to do is pick a certain number of organizations to suit their business interests. If the next two years are a shambles [for the Champ] they'll be indifferent."

Commercial Disparity Separating Divisions

In response, some Prem owners will argue the commercial gap between the two leagues has increased significantly that transformation has turned necessary. That is an simpler case to advance in the wake of Newcastle’s shotgun marriage with the global brand Red Bull – however not at a different club who have an equally bullish backer and yet are nevertheless, to their frustration, unwelcome. After leading the previous standings and been informed confidentially they were eventually in the eligibility discussion, it is reported they were subsequently "jilted at the altar" over fears the other club would fail if they were dropped.

Some publicly question about the integrity of the allegedly iron-clad long-term agreement between the governing body and the elite league being altered so soon. Additionally, the former England No 8 Nick Easter, currently his club's manager, continues to be firmly opposed to a exclusive structure. "The history of competition in Europe and the Britain is about risk and prize," he states. "This is what you’re striving for. This is why we have the greatest followers in the world. It also attracts crowds and generates excitement. Consider France who have the top team structure in the industry. Certainly, there are variations financially and TV income but that's effective. It's popular."

Relegation Not Necessarily Mean Failure

That is a parallel tale at another club where their {impress