Scrapping automatic promotion and relegation to and from the Guinness Premiership will be discussed today, according to the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
A spokesman for the union confirmed the subject of promotion and relegation would be on the agenda, in addition to all financial aspects of the game, at a meeting of the management board and Premiership clubs.
“The union's policy is clear: promotion and relegation is written into the contract for eight years,” RFU management board chairman Martyn Thomas told. “That said, it's 100 years since we've faced an economic climate like this.”
“We don't want to wreck this agreement one year in but we understand that the clubs are facing critical problems.”
“We need a successful, solvent Premiership producing quality England players. Public hangings are exciting, just as long as you're not the bloke standing on the trap. We have to keep an open mind; it would be wrong to rule out anything.”
It is believed that clubs facing the prospect of relegation argue it is impossible to make financial plans while the spectre of relegation looms. The clubs are expected to request a suspension of promotion and relegation in return for a cut in the numbers of overseas players they register to ensure English talent in the top-flight does not recede.
