The newspaper had sight of a meeting of Club England’s eight members at London’s East India Club. They voted 7-1 in favour of proposals to abolish automatic promotions and relegation after the current agreements run out in 2007.
The issue divides the rugby world. The Premiership is currently enjoying a boom in attendances and the possibility of relegation gives meaning to fixtures which would otherwise be dead rubbers.
Abolition of automatic promotion would also kill the dreams of ambitious clubs in the second tier of English rugby. After a number of years in which promoted teams were expected to be relegated after a single season, last season’s promoted club, Worcester, has adjusted well to life in the Premiership and, after a win at Newcastle, currently occupy a safe position in the table.
Proponents of the plan, who apparently include England coach Andy Robinson, believe they will help strengthen the national team.
