We must pull together to grow game - Baxter

ROB Baxter believes that the responsibility for growing rugby both financially and in terms of interest falls on the entire game, not just individual clubs.

- MARK STEVENS

The Exeter Chiefs director of rugby this week emphasised the need for collective effort to generate bigger investments, secure stronger TV deals, and ultimately provide Championship clubs with the financial stability to compete at a higher level.

While he doesn't claim to have all the answers, Baxter highlights the importance of making the sport more prosperous overall, as this will naturally help bridge the gap between leagues.

"The big challenge right now is finance," he said. "Taking that step from the Championship to the Premiership without a backer who is prepared to put an awful lot of money in is very, very difficult.

"It's got to a stage now of how do you bridge that gap?