Top flight to be cut down to 10 teams

Premiership to go down to 10 teams

- PAUL REES

THE Premiership is set to be reduced to 10 teams as it looks to become more financially viable.

The move would see the Premiership Cup played during international windows and ensure that clubs had their best players available throughout the league campaign.

Premiership Rugby, which is negotiating a new player agreement deal with the Rugby Football Union with the current one having just over a season to run, has been canvassing the opinions of its 11 shareholders.

“We have just had a meeting with PRL and I think we are heading for a 10–team league,” said Gloucester’s head coach, George Skivington. “That would allow for proper international breaks with a cup competition in the autumn and during the Six Nations so we can develop young lads.

“As a product, rugby will be better when clubs have all their best players on the field. We could fill the grounds and get more people watching on television. Those international spells create a bit of chaos and while they provide opportunities for young players, I think you are better doing that around a Premiership Cup while Tests are being played.”

Premiership Rugby’s CEO Simon Massie-Taylor confirmed that talks were being held about a 10-team competition.