Adult Male Future Competition Structure

The Future Competitions Structure Group (FCS) has today released a Recommendation Paper on the adult male competitions structure (English Club Championship Level 3 and below), for implementation in the 2021/22 season. This follows frequent engagement with the game over the last nine months and evidence collection.

We know that players are playing less games each season due to lifestyle reasons and modern day demands on time.

We now have the opportunity to establish a competition structure across the game that serves the interests of all of our players and clubs and underpins our game for the future. The paper recognises the significant opportunity for rugby to develop an optimal playing offer and structure which: protects the future health of the adult male game; meet the needs of current and future players; balances quality of experience and player welfare needs and limits travel, while protecting the sustainability of clubs.

The proposals include: reducing league sizes in a number of instances; introducing league break weekends, and organising leagues which minimise travel, all essential to meet the game’s needs. Player feedback has highlighted the importance of knockout rugby, therefore it is proposed that we invigorate cup/knock-out rugby. Click below to read the plan.

Your feedback is welcomed ahead of any RFU Council decision on 2 October 2020. Please click below to give your views. Please also share with your members so that they can have their say too.

Please contact Competitions-Development@RFU.com if you have any questions.

Read Plan
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