CyderInACan

From The Times Premiership clubs in talks to end relegation and expand league to 13 sides The Premiership clubs have recommenced negotiations to bring an end to promotion and relegation, with a new possibility of expanding the Gallagher Premiership to a 13-club league. The Times has learnt that some clubs would be keen to pull up the trap door immediately and therefore ensure that no one would be relegated at the end of this season. The first nine rounds of this season’s Premiership competition have established a situation where seven clubs are at risk of relegation, arguably nine. It is this fear that has focussed minds. The subject of ringfencing has been an occasional discussion point among the clubs and came close to being waved through earlier this year. The major sticking point, then, was the fact there are 13 professional clubs with shares in Premier Rugby Limited — the 12 in the Premiership, plus London Irish, who are leading the Championship — and how, therefore, to cut the number to ringfence a league of 12. One of the new proposals is simply to expand the Premiership into a 13-club competition. This would require an extra four Premiership weekends each season. These weekends would be made available by the cancelling of the new Premiership Cup competition. While some clubs are keen to scrap relegation as soon as possible, it remains unlikely that it could be achieved swiftly enough to prevent any club being relegated this season. A Premiership spokesman today confirmed that ringfencing was again being discussed. “It’s been on the agenda for 20 years,” he said, “and will always be debated.”

The article I saw that suggested an expansion said they’d get rid of a cup competition to compensate. I think. I’ll try and find it.

Lot of talk about ring-fencing now the CVV (or whoever) deal for a 30% stake is almost a certainty. Might be too soon for this season though.

I love this. Love it. To think that CP - allegedly the highest paid player - is probably on roughly the same as Marlon Pack is nuts. City could learn a lot from their Bristol Sport team mates.

Wins for Wuss and Newcastle last night. Pressure on!

Gotta love Bristol!

Here’s hoping for a real game on Sunday against Chiefs. Really need to build on this momentum over the last 2 games. At least 2pts please!

I thought it was for this season ie now

Moron Rees and the gAss really do deserve each other. MR and Wally are both so utterly deluded that they were probably discussing where to put the MemStad Underground station. Meanwhile, in BS3 with actual plans and money, we just quietly go about our business. The gap just gets bigger and bigger.

THE GIFT

Did they all have “Flint” on the back!?

Great result in difficult conditions. How invaluable is Mads though. Can’t wait for the weekend - Villa friday and Saints saturday. Bring it on!

My god we need to win today to lift my mood after last night’s shambles at Wigan! Incidentally, anyone know what’s happened to Stirzaker (sp?)

I thought it looked like Smith was down in the dumps in the second half. He sure is some player though, seems to win the ball back so easily sometimes, certainly a huge asset. We certainly need points. Last night demonstrated for me when to play out from the back and when to clear your lines. We need to be a bit more pragmatic at the expense of being completely expansive if you ask me. The Bristol of the first half was a joy to watch mind.

Bit of a gutter for a Polledri to be MOM against Bristol.

Terrible 2nd half. Jesus.

Yeah they normally chuck another one in - especially if we really need the points!

No ban for Smith - available to play against Glos on Friday

Missed going but managed to watch it live at Devon Cliffs! Jumped out of my seat when we scored our try! Quite a few Bris fans spoke to me afterwards seeing as I’d msde my presence known ha ha what a result

Did so last season so no biggie

That rugby forum is far less sophisticated than here. Plus we have the Q&A section - albeit there doesn’t seem to be many As to the Qs forthcoming at the mo!

Thought we looked strong v. Connacht last night. Would’ve won had Mads not missed what I thought should’ve been an easy 5pts. Will be watching the Barf game - albeit from Devon on BT!

Surely that’s far too random to be made up? Surely? Source?

European fixtures out next Wednesday!

New Arena at Filton, you mean. " . .