Adult Male Competition Structure Review

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Adult Male Competition Structure Group (AMCSG) Review, your input is greatly valued.

The Group has reviewed all the input received through various channels, and the initial findings and recommendations were discussed at length by the Community Game Board (CGB) this week.

The CGB agreed the key principles presented by the Group and a process moving forward. This includes a range of models for the structure of leagues to address appropriate travel time/distance, player welfare, player experience / quality of competition and club sustainability factors. These models all therefore variously flatten the pyramid and reduce some league sizes.

The next steps in this review will be to communicate with the game the proposed structures in two phases in early 2020:

• Phase One – late January/February – will be to communicate the findings and undertake a digital survey with players and clubs.

The AMCSG will report feedback and proposed models to the RFU Council at the end February.

• Phase Two – (March to early April) – will consist of a number of face to face meetings with clubs and other stakeholders to explore in more detail the feedback and the initial proposals.

A final decision on the league structures, which are to be implemented in the 2021/22 season, will be made at the April RFU Council meeting.

As a result of initial feedback received, where possible the aim will be to make some adjustments to address issues such as player welfare and flexibility, e.g. with rest breaks, from start of season 2020/21, which will be a transition season, with full implementation from the 2021/22 season. Significant additional work will continue on the future management of competitions, promotion/relegation, cup rugby, Lower XVs in leagues etc. Full guidance will be communicated before the end of the 2019/20 season.

For further information please contact Competitions-Development@RFU.com or your Council representative.