With the news of London Irish's swift and sad decent into administration, added to the woes of both London Wasps and Worcester Warriors, there has to be change in the Gallagher Premiership and its management.
Not only have the aforementioned teams been ran into the ground by poor planning, many well ran English sides are struggling to stay afloat.
With the Welsh regions also in financial bother, some fans have called for change in the form of a British & Irish league.
Of course, this idea was roundly criticised on Twitter by fans of the URC, whose thriving league has increased in stature tenfold since its rebrand and the inclusion of the current South African sides.
With the success of the URC epitomised by the recent sold out final in Cape Town, why would any sensible supporter want to rid the league of the Italian and South African teams?
Another counter point brought up was that a B&I league would further devalue the Champions Cup, which has gotten poorer since changes that benefitted English were introduced.
A British & Irish League?
🏉Sorry for the repercussions for players, officials & supporters of London Irish but pro rugby in Wales & England is going through tough times financially. Maybe London can’t sustain 3 top clubs, move out to Reading & back can’t have helped long term. B&I league anyone? pic.twitter.com/Gj2VyjCg8r
— Nick Webb (@nickwebb2017) June 6, 2023
Continue to be underwhelmed by addition of the South African teams. IMHO they should be nowhere near European club 🏉 rugby. Would rather have a British & Irish league, & with the English Premiership on its knees this might be a good time to start talks. https://t.co/5PpsdLaJgG
— David Begg (@dadbegg) June 5, 2023
A British & Irish League …..
Think about it for a second.
Pretend the blazers don’t exist, and think about it.— Matt Williams (@MattWill8) May 31, 2023
If LIV and the PGA/DP can merge in golf, surely rugby union has the prescience to realise now is the time for a British and Irish League given the ongoing Gallagher Prem contraction and the rubbish URC?
It doesn't. It won't.— Delme Parfitt (@delmeparfitt) June 7, 2023
British and Irish league needs to happen now
— James Null (@JamesNull181) June 6, 2023
Both Premiership Rugby and the Celtic leagues have challenges with player retention and commercial success.
A 14 team British & Irish 4 league system, with 2 up 2 down would incentivise development.
More viewers, more spectators, larger local market demographics for sponsors. https://t.co/V3Sj1zRVzr— Alex Pike (@HRHAlexPike) May 31, 2023
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With the announcement today that London Irish would be filing for administration, owner Mick Crossan released the following statement:
"Administration has always been the last resort, and something we hoped we could avoid. And we bitterly regret the difficulties it will present to each and every one of you.
"My focus is now on working with the appointed administrator and I hope that the club will come out of administration as quickly as possible."
"As a lifelong fan of London Irish, the club's suspension is bitterly disappointing, and I understand the sadness felt by the thousands of our loyal supporters and the frustrations of our incredible coaches, medical staff, back-office team, and players.
"But this decision has ultimately ended any hope of an acquisition of the club and has regrettably forced us to file for administration this morning."
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