Joe Sheppard
AN OPENING COUPLE OF THOUGHTS…………….
My opening thought to you readers is this and it is very clear – That ANY club or country across the globe SHOULD be able to set their sights on the top flight and, through hard work, attain that level through promotion opportunities within their Region etc.
1. Promotion and relegation in sports play a crucial role in maintaining competitiveness, fairness, and excitement within leagues or competitions. Here are some key reasons why promotion and relegation are important in sports:
- Competitiveness: Promotion and relegation provide an opportunity for teams to move between divisions based on their performance. This system motivates teams to strive for success and maintain a high level of competitiveness.
- Fairness: Promotion and relegation ensure that teams earn their place in a higher division through merit. It prevents complacency and rewards teams that perform well, regardless of their financial status.
- Engagement: The possibility of promotion and the fear of relegation keep fans engaged throughout the season. It adds drama and excitement to the competitions as every match becomes crucial for teams fighting for survival or promotion.
- Opportunity for Small Clubs: Promotion allows smaller clubs or teams with limited resources to progress to higher levels and compete against bigger teams. It promotes inclusivity and offers a fair chance for all clubs to rise through the ranks.
- Financial Incentives: Moving up a division can bring financial benefits such as increased revenue from television rights, sponsorship deals, and higher attendance at matches. This incentivizes teams to perform well and progress.
HOWEVER…………………..
2. There’s an impact of Private Entities on Promotion & Relegation – Certain sports leagues or competitions are affected by private entities that own the league and do not allow promotion and relegation within it. This model is commonly seen in the following sports:
- American Professional Sports: Leagues like the NFL (National Football League), NBA (National Basketball Association), MLB (Major League Baseball), and NHL (National Hockey League) in the United States operate with closed systems where promotion and relegation do not exist. Teams in these leagues are owned by private entities and have a fixed number of franchises.
- Soccer Leagues in the United States: Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States is another example of a league with no promotion or relegation. The league is structured as a closed system with no movement between divisions based on sporting merit.
- Rugby Union: Some professional rugby union leagues and competitions around the world are owned by private entities and do not have promotion and relegation. Teams in these leagues remain in their respective divisions regardless of performance. An example of this is Six Nations Rugby
3. In these cases, the absence of promotion and relegation can limit opportunities for smaller teams to rise through the ranks and compete at higher levels. It also reduces the competitive integrity of the league, as teams do not face the risk of relegation for underperforming.
OVERVIEW OF PROMOTION & RELEGATION IN RUGBY
4. Promotion and relegation systems are fundamental to the essence of rugby leagues, ensuring competitiveness and fair play. These systems create a dynamic environment where lower-tier teams have the opportunity to advance to higher divisions based on their performance, while higher-tier teams face the risk of relegation if they underperform. This structure not only maintains excitement and engagement within leagues but also fosters a sense of accountability among teams to consistently strive for success. For instance, in the English Football League, the concept of promotion and relegation has led to intense competition, with clubs vying for advancement or battling to avoid demotion, which keeps the leagues vibrant and unpredictable.
5. The promotion and relegation framework in English Premiership Rugby also plays a crucial role in nurturing talent and promoting growth within the sport but has been fraught with issues over “Ring-Fencing” and stopping English Championship teams who win their league but fall foul of the minimum stadia criteria?? By providing lower-tier teams with the platform to prove their abilities against higher-calibre opponents, these systems contribute to the overall development of rugby players and clubs. Additionally, the prospect of promotion incentivises clubs to invest in infrastructure, coaching, and player development, creating a virtuous cycle of improvement across all levels of the sport.
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NORTHERN HEMISPHERE & SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE RUGBY
6. The promotion and relegation systems in rugby differ between the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere due to the structure of their respective leagues and competitions. Understanding these differences helps appreciate how rugby’s competitive landscape is organised differently across hemispheres. In simple terms it’s;
- Northern Hemisphere
- European Club Rugby:
- Top Leagues: The main leagues include the English Premiership, the French Top 14, and the United Rugby Championship (URC), which features teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy, and South Africa.
- Promotion and Relegation:
- English Premiership: The team finishing last is relegated to the RFU Championship, and the top team from the RFU Championship is promoted. (Notwithstanding the criteria mentioned above!)
- French Top 14: The bottom two teams are relegated to Pro D2, and the top two teams from Pro D2 are promoted.
- United Rugby Championship (URC): Does not have a traditional promotion/relegation system. Teams are generally stable within the league.
- Domestic Competitions:
- England: Below the Premiership and Championship, there are several tiers with promotion and relegation between each.
- France: Similar system with multiple tiers below Top 14 and Pro D2.
- European Club Rugby:
- Southern Hemisphere
- Super Rugby:
- Super Rugby is a franchise-based competition featuring teams from Australia, New Zealand, and other countries at various times. It does not follow a traditional promotion/relegation system.
- Teams are granted licences to participate, and changes in team composition are typically handled administratively rather than through performance-based relegation.
- Domestic Competitions:
- New Zealand: The National Provincial Championship (NPC) has a promotion/relegation system between its two divisions.
- Australia: Domestic competitions like the Shute Shield in Sydney have promotion and relegation within their structure.
- South Africa: The Currie Cup operates with a promotion/relegation system between its Premier Division and First Division.
- Super Rugby:
- Key Differences
- Northern Hemisphere: More traditional club-based leagues with clear structures for promotion and relegation.
- Southern Hemisphere: Franchise-based competitions at the top level (like Super Rugby) with no promotion/relegation; however, domestic leagues do feature these systems.
LEGAL AND FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVES ON PROMOTION & RELEGATION
7. In the realm of rugby, the interplay between legal considerations and financial imperatives adds layers of complexity to the promotion and relegation discussions. Premiership Rugby and the RFU must adhere to competition law as they navigate the formulation of recommendations for the English professional rugby structure, ensuring that any changes comply with regulatory standards. The suspension of promotion and relegation, such as the moratorium imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, may lead to potential legal challenges from stakeholders, including broadcasters and sponsors, underscoring the need for clear guidelines and agreements in such situations.
8. The financial landscape of rugby has also been significantly influenced by external investments, such as the CVC deal in English rugby and The Six Nations’ is reshaping the dialogue around promotion and relegation. The infusion of capital from such agreements can have far-reaching implications on the structure and sustainability of leagues, prompting discussions on how to strike a balance between financial growth and the competitive integrity of the sport. As rugby continues to evolve as a commercial entity, the legal and financial considerations surrounding promotion and relegation will remain pivotal in shaping the future landscape of the sport.
SIX NATIONS’ STANCE ON PROMOTION & RELEGATION OR “TURKEYS VOTING FOR CHRISTMAS”
9. If we look at the The Six Nations’ as an example? Their rejection of the Nations Championship proposal, which included elements of promotion and relegation, underscores the nuanced considerations involved in international rugby competitions. The concerns raised by the Six Nations unions regarding player welfare and the structural implications of the proposed tournament reflected a commitment to preserving the integrity of existing competitions while exploring avenues for growth and innovation. The decision to veto the Nations Championship has prompted World Rugby to re-evaluate its approach to fostering cross-hemisphere competition and enhancing the overall fan experience in the sport.
10. The reality to most fans is that getting the Six Nations’ to approve promotion and relegation would be akin to “Turkeys Voting For Christmas!”………….The Six Nations’ is mainly owned by the six competing nations, England, France, Wales, Ireland, Scotland & Italy? The monies involved in having one of them relegated to a second division/league means it’s a closed shop.
11. It wouldn’t tackle much to sort and achive either? Why?? There IS secondary competition in Europe already though WITH promotion / relegation?? The Rugby Europe International Championships is the European Championships for tier 2 and tier 3 rugby nations. The tournament is split into 5 levels, each with 5 or 6 teams. Its highest level is now called the Rugby Europe Championship and, unofficially, referred to as the Six Nations B. All levels play on a one-year cycle, replacing the old format of a two-year cycle, with the teams playing each other both home and away. From September 2016, there will still be an annual champion, however a format change means each year sees teams promoted and relegated between the levels.
12. Ergo, it’s a ready made system that is ONLY being halted by the intransigence of the Six Nations’ “Turkeys”??
13. The same can be said for the club/domestic competitions. As alluded to above with the English Premiership and the “Criteria” that continues to preclude Championship teams?? The French Top 14 DOES have promotion/relegation. The United Rugby Championship has a set number of clubs/provinces/franchises and in recent times we have seen the addition of 4 South African sides………. Qualification for both the EPCR Champions Cup & Challenge Cup are pre-determined (generally). This season saw “Invites” to both Toyota Cheetahs (South Africa) and Black Lion (Georgia)……………. Seems the organisers can just make things up?? The was previously a Continental Shield competition for Tier 2/3 clubs across Europe but this has been discontinued since 2018/19. This competition allowed for entry to the Challenge Cup???
FUTURE TRENDS IN GLOBAL RUGBY DEVELOPMENT
14. The anticipated changes in the global rugby landscape signal a shift towards greater cross-hemisphere competition and enhanced fan engagement. By fostering a more inclusive and dynamic environment for players and supporters, rugby authorities aim to elevate the overall experience of the sport and attract a broader audience. Discussions centred around promoting competition integrity, sustaining player welfare, and enhancing club sustainability underscore the commitment to building a rugby ecosystem that thrives on innovation and excellence.
15. Another issue is that the NH & SH seasons are not aligned?? Would any combined global competition REALLY show the true effect it would be designed to, ergo one season is finishing as another is still underway? Is it therefore worth it??
16. As rugby evolves to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world, strategic decisions and forward-thinking approaches will be essential in shaping the future trajectory of the sport. By embracing emerging trends, leveraging technological advancements, and fostering collaboration across stakeholders, the global rugby community can pave the way for a more competitive, engaging, and sustainable future. The ongoing negotiations and strategic initiatives within the rugby sphere are poised to redefine the sport’s landscape, setting the stage for a dynamic and vibrant era of rugby’s global evolution.
FINAL THOUGHT AND A SECOND HOWEVER……………………….
17. When all is said and done we WILL need a global system where promotion & relegation are integral aspects of rugby to make things equitable, fair and to truly encourage development?? Getting private entities who own and therefore control how the leagues/competitions are run and effectively gerrymander the circumstances means it is unfortunately unlikely?!?