English Clubs Fear the Drop
by Mick Cleary | 10 March 2010 (09:26)
Is relegation crippling English rugby? Or is the Super 14 missing out on something special, something that helped England win a World Cup in 2003 and reach a final four years later? ( I believe they lost that last one but moving swiftly on.)
The issue of whether to open the trapdoor or not is back on the agenda in England as the business-end of the season approaches. Sale owner, Brian Kennedy, voiced his objections last week. On Saturday it was former England flanker, Neil Back, now director of rugby at Leeds, who weighed in with his three pennyworth. There are others in the Premiership who remain opposed to the concept – Harlequins CEO, Mark Evans, one of the key movers and shakers this many a year has long been agin it, at no time more vociferously than when his club headed down the gurgler into National One in 2005. They haven’t done too badly since, you might argue, the little matter of a dodgy blood capsule apart. They’re a growing business just across the road from Twickers, drawing an average crowd of around 12,000 and have done well to survive Bloodgate in reasonable shape.
Northampton also took a tumble, another of England’s traditional clubs. Yet they not only survived, they have thrived. In only their second season back in the big time they stand second in the Premiership, routinely sell-out the 14,000 capacity Franklin’s Gardens ( and are locked in a battle with the local council as they look to expand ) and have provided several players this season to Martin Johnson’s England.
So, that’s one of the arguments against relegation - namely that it spells ruin for any club and that it’s impossible to build a business with such commercial fear underpinning it - dismissed. ‘Quins and the Saints are in good shape. Leeds are not doing too badly either, given that they have yo-yoed between the leagues. Back has worked his magic and, with three wins on the trot, Leeds have hauled themselves off the bottom of the league. They have never been able to draw the crowds that others manage to attract. Leeds is a football and rugby league city. Union has had to fight for every bum on seat.
Back’s opposition to relegation, though, is driven by rugby issues not commerce. Back feels that the dreaded prospect inhibits both coaches and players. What is more, given that the consequences are seen as grim, coaches will opt for bringing in the gnarled old pro from NZ or South Africa rather than take a risk in developing an English youngster. He argues too that caution underpins everything. Few sides chances their arm in case they lose. Compare and contrast with Super 14 where there is no relegation, probably because it’s hard enough sustaining 14 ( soon to be 15 ) sides on a professional basis. There is a free, more innovative feel about Super rugby.
But what happens with it comes to the crunch in a World Cup? Who are the more hard-nosed? England and France with relegation in their bones? Or the frilly Kiwis and Aussies, playing fast and loose? I’m with the English and French on this one.
If you want to read more of Mick Cleary go to www.telegraph.co.uk
