Champ clubs refuse to delay new deal

FURIOUS Championship clubs have voted against proposals to push back the new push back the new Professional Game Agreement (PGA) by another year, to 2025-26.

- JON NEWCOMBE

Earlier this month the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) brought in two independent advisers, to work with the RFU and PRL on their plans to restructure the professional game in England through the PGA.

Former RFL CEO Ralph Rimmer, and UK Sport Board Member Chris Pilling, were appointed in a supporting role as the sport tries to plot a way through the post-pandemic landscape.

The current eight-year deal, worth over £200 million, was agreed in July 2016 and is therefore due to expire next year. But with the English game currently in the grips of a financial crisis, RFU/ PRL want a 12-month extension to get their house in order.

However, Championship clubs fear they could follow Worcester, Wasps and London Irish in going into administration if they are made to survive on just £150,000 central funding for another year as opposed to the £6.5million handout that Premiership clubs get.