I still see this less competitive matches being banded around, it’s like supporters are expecting coaches to select sides saying it doesn’t matter if we loose this week guys, because the fans realise a few matches are going to be uncompetitive so who gives a :censored:.johnthegriff wrote: ↑Sat Aug 01, 2020 5:22 pm Mark 62 wants those that disagree with his view of ringfencing to provide proof that he is wrong, where is his proof that he is right. He says that without relegation teams will find it easier to introduce young players, that will only apply when a team has decided first that they have no chance of play-offs and second when they have no chance of Champions Cup, it will mean that towards the end of a season those qualifications can be affected when with two teams vying for qualification one plays another team in the mix for honoors and the other a team fielding several youngsters as the result of the game is irrelevant to them.
The Championships proposal for 6 Regional Talent Centres and an end to Academies will be harmful and I think will reduce numbers coming into the game with a view to a possible career.
Mark 62 is right when he suggests that things cannot stay the same, but change has happened, most clubs were not losing money in a big way five years ago, Leicester were breaking even over the professional era despite investing heavily in our ground and improvements, as did Northampton, Gloucester and other but, increasing the salary cap dramatically and adding two marquee players created a burden that non sugardaddy clubs could not manage. Recent changes have hopefully brought about a realism and a change back to simple business principles where money out has to match closely money in. Of course above all the product has to be something that your customer actually wants, I am not sure that less competitive matches are the answer.
Also professional rugby players aren’t going to go out and expect to get a stuffing, that’s the old days of non league rugby where historical fixtures were kept against stronger clubs. Those that aren’t automatic first choice will be trying their hearts out to get a starting spot.
The championship proposal is a different kettle of fish.
I agree that 5 years ago clubs weren’t losing so much 5 years ago, but those 5 years have passed the salaries have gone out of control, one of the reasons supporters demanding to see big names at their clubs. The salary cap amendments will help with that, but this needs time to implement.
I agree that there is nothing to say ring fencing will work, but interestingly not by the clubs, just by spectators with their theories of uncompetitive matches, and scaremongering of take overs by rich businesses men. If people looked at results there have been uncompetitive fixtures since the year dot, and as long as your club was on the right side of the result no body gave a stuff.
IMO a 3 year ring fence before returning to promotion and relegation will mean clubs will return with a stronger base and salaries under control.
Finally yes play the 6 nations over 5 weekends, don’t play league fixtures over those 5 weekends, but where are you finding the extra weeks to complete your 28 weeks of fixtures plus Europe, by my reckoning, without knock out Europe fixtures and play offs, which potentially add another 5 weeks, you are then looking at a 39 week season.