RFU reject PRL proposal

The Rugby Football Union have unanimously rejected further attempts by the Guinness Premiership clubs to expand the league season by six matches.

The RFU dismissed initial proposals from Premier Rugby (PRL), the clubs' umbrella body, on January 28 on the grounds that it was not in the best interests of elite rugby in England.

PRL, desperate to find ways to fight the economic downturn, believe replacing the EDF Energy Cup with an expanded 28-game league season would inject up to £6million a year into the Premiership. The clubs returned to Twickenham with a revised set of proposals this week, but the RFU's management board once again threw out the idea.

The union released the following statement: "The RFU management board debated this proposal at great length on Wednesday and unanimously decided not to amend the agreement to allow this.

"The RFU met with PRL representatives on Thursday afternoon to talk through their decision in more detail. Both parties have arranged to meet again soon to discuss possible solutions inside the current agreement.

"The RFU remain hugely sympathetic to the challenges that all our clubs are facing in the current economic climate and are keen to work with the PRL on finding a solution that is right for them, right for England and right for the game."

The RFU are against the idea of an expanded Premiership season for a variety of reasons, ranging from player welfare concerns to the fear of undermining the credibility of the league.

The PRL proposals would see teams play six of their opponents three times in a season but the rest only twice.

The RFU believe replacing the EDF Energy Cup with additional league games would hinder the development of young English players, who are often given their chance of first-team rugby in the Anglo-Welsh competition.