The Gallagher Premiership has been postponed for five weeks, which has to be the right decision. In the context of the nations health, welfare and economic prosperity, rugby is a mere sideshow. The action does though raise several questions. Does postponement for pandemic mean pandemonium or panic?
Will it be only for five weeks? Is the survival of some clubs threatened?
When competition begins will tournaments be completed and qualification for European competitions decided?
In the light of the rapidly changing government advice, controls and action it is clear that experts do not anticipate a state of ‘normality” to return very soon. The rugby authorities therefore must be considering their contingency plans for tournaments at national and regional level, international tours, possibly even next year’s British and Irish Lions foray to South Africa. So how will the Premiership react to a curtailed –or possibly lost – season and how will it decide which teams will represent England in the European Champions and Challenge Cups next season, assuming they are played?
Let’s look at some options.
Abandon Abandon this season altogether and leave it incomplete. This may be the only possible response if the virus crisis drags on. However, it is probably the least satisfactory. Unions, clubs and supporters will want the game to resume at some stage. When it does, with some experts comparing rugby’s economic vulnerability to the airline industry, there will need to be clear qualification for the new season’s competitions.
Freeze
The Premiership could be “frozen” with all results beyond round 13 declared void. That would provide a Champion in the form of Exeter (who few neutrals would begrudge the title given the Saracens Salary Cap scandal) and 5 other qualifiers for the top European competition. Sale, Bristol and even Northampton Saints might claim that they could win through a playoff round, but given the Chiefs current lead in league points, points difference and bonus points, plus the motivation gained from close defeats in the last two finals, the Devonians would be justified favourites. If the epidemic is prolonged, this seems the fairest way to decide the title.
Partial Completion
If, unexpectedly, the virus is brought under control before mid summer, a partial completion might be considered. That would involve playing key fixtures – such as the Top 4 Playoff places- to determine final league positions, while leaving remaining fixtures uncompleted. This would have the benefit of deciding a Champion while not disadvantaging league positions of clubs in the relegation zone, as Saracens punishment has already solved that issue. Disadvantages could be complaints from clubs who feel they could sneak into play off places if the full round of matches were played and from lower table clubs who would lose revenue. Not ideal, but a way of clarifying European tournament places and seedings.
Predicted Results
A sort of “Pools Panel” option with a panel of experts or mathematical algorithm predicting results of abandoned matches in rounds 10-22. This idea founders on the absence of an agreed and widely accepted rugby equivalent of the “Duckworth –Lewis” method of deciding curtailed cricket matches. Any system would have to be agreed by the clubs or be open to challenge. It seems highly unlikely that a satisfactory solution could be agreed. The RWC option of awarding 0-0 draws would make no difference to current league standings so would achieve nothing. A messy compromise at best, such a plan would seem a lot less attractive than alternative options above.
Other Measures
Doubtless other ideas could be put forward, including the rather soulless prospect of matches played behind closed doors. Even that solution depends on lifting of restrictions (or in the UK Government’s terms “advice”) on public movement due to the considerable logistics involved in putting on and televising matches.
What does this mean for Bath?
The loss of “The Clash” would mean a big dent in the club’s revenue but for most fans the biggest disappointment would be missing a “last hurrah” for Francois Louw and seeing what snap Rhys Webb could put into Bath’s stuttering attack. The ‘Freeze’ or ‘Partial Completion’ options would see Bath into the European Champions Cup, but any delay to the season could impact on Bath’s use of the Rec for remaining fixtures, which would have to be renegotiated with the Recreation Ground Trust. It would also deprive fans of spring rugby on a (hopefully) dryer, faster pitch and the possibility of the usual end of season upturn in results.
While fans would probably prefer the certainty of a ‘normal’ season, with all fixtures fulfilled, that is not going to happen. None of the above ideas is perfect, some have their merits, most have drawbacks –or at least doubts to satisfy. In the absence of real rugby to celebrate or agonise over, they can at least be points for discussion.
As with all other businesses covered in the media there will be financial implications and that means someone will need deep pockets to cover losses.
The season already feels a bit of a washout with Capgate so not too bothered results wise, on a wider scale I hope all the amateur clubs can get through this ok. I would imagine some clubhouse staff rely on their clubs for income.
All teams ranked from 1 to 12 according to current position in league. Bath are 6.
Sat 30/5/20: Top 6 ranked sides play bottom 6 ranked sides at home with the exception of Exeter v Sarries where Exeter get a bye and Sarries are (already) relegated. So Bath are at home to Quins, Sale v Tigers, Bristol play Warriors etc etc
Sat 6/6/20: Two top ranked sides after round 1 get home semi finals. Exeter will be one by default. The other 4 remaining winning sides from round 1 play each other for the other two away semi final slots.
Sat 13 and Sat 20 as originally planned.
The current standings 1-6 will get European Cup, 7-12 Challenge Cup.
Couldn't be simpler and could even be delayed further into the summer if things haven't improved.
So Tigers could theoretically win the league from 11th place? I think that top 4 as of today should play off as they would normally as they have earned the right over the rounds already completed.
Well I for one wouldn’t like Exeter to be crowned Champions.
As much as I love both playing and watching rugby the best thing In my opinion would be to just to abandon the season, declare it void and hopefully start again in September.
As for European qualification, think it should just be as it stands now. I know Bath are top 6, but would be saying this whatever as these are unprecedented times.
No easy answer I’m afraid, would be a shame as would be nice to see Rhys Webb and Francois a few more times, but that’s life.
This season was a farce anyway with the Salaries debacle. Freeze the league, give Exeter the title promote Newcastle, 1-6 qualify for the big cup, 7-11 the little cup plus Newcastle, relegate Salaries. Job done. Going to miss my afternoon at HQ, but there's more important things in life right now (actually always).
China has been in lock down for 3 months, we probably will be too, and by the time we aren't preseason will have started. There's no time in the calendar to reschedule the remainder of this season if we lose 3 months. Compensation is a tricky one as I'm sure most ticket holders on here want money back for lost matches, and clubs for lost gate receipts. RFU or government need to dip in their pockets.
“Our goal is to rebuild confidence and trust. The first step was to appoint a new independent chairman to lead on governance reform ensuring errors of the past are not replicated in the future. Furthermore, following open and frank discussions with PRL, we have accepted the unprecedented measure of automatic relegation from the Premiership at the end of the 2019-2020 season.
“We understand this decision will be difficult for the Saracens family to accept. The Board must embody the values of the club, learn from its mistakes so the Club can come back stronger. It is in the wider interests of the Premiership and English rugby to take this decisive step, to ensure everybody is able once again to focus on the game of rugby, which we all love.
“We hope that we can now start to move forward, begin to restore confidence and over time, rebuild trust with PRL, its stakeholders and the wider rugby community.”
Awp24975 Well I for one wouldn’t like Exeter to be crowned Champions.
I am assuming you just don't like them for some reason. I don't have a problem with Exeter being awarded the title, I think 13 games into the season is a decent enough sample of who is the best team. It is not as though they are having a freak run of form or likely to fall apart in some way had the season completed.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:19:10:52:30 by B4thB4ck.
I think Exeter have a strong enough squad, coaching staff and culture to say they would have been champions this year. Not so sure about the likes of Bristol, Sale and possibly saints who have played a lot of matches at almost full strength against teams missing a lot of Internationals during AIs and 6N. These teams with their full squads returned might well have climbed up the table at the former's expense. We will probably know but those teams that lost a lot of Internationals are obviously at a distinct disadvantage should the season end now.
redmix This season was a farce anyway with the Salaries debacle. Freeze the league, give Exeter the title promote Newcastle, 1-6 qualify for the big cup, 7-11 the little cup plus Newcastle, relegate Salaries. Job done.
This seems total reasonable. Exeter have been the best (cap compliant) team in the league for years and certainly deserve the recognition. The only shame would be that awarding them the title would be accompanied with an asterisk, which seems little compensation when Sarries get to keep their titles (which also have an asterisk now).
Whilst that is perfectly understandable you do wonder why the RFU have done nothing to help. As an organisation they really do not show any leadership whatsoever!
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
shipwrecked Whilst that is perfectly understandable you do wonder why the RFU have done nothing to help. As an organisation they really do not show any leadership whatsoever!
It's a tough one, particularly in relation to financial support. As a rugby supporter I don't want it to all fall apart, but to play devils advocate the Premiership clubs are multi-million pound businesses who are nearly all making big losses and who have just taken a £15m investment from a venture capitalist so although the scale of this is unforeseen I find it personally tough to have too much sympathy for those clubs who have no contingency plans (or funds) in place. I think that the RFU will have its own issues to deal with and the (Premiership) clubs will need to do what they have to, like other businesses in the UK.
A valid point Matt but apart from the announcement that the RFU have suspended rugby there is nothing on the website.
Why haven't the RFU used some England players or Eddie to show them setting an example? Its a waste of rôle models.
Thats not costly to do. They could even put up on the site old England games since the International were cancelled so that if you are stuck social distancing there is some rugby to watch. There are things that could be done to support rugby players and fans.
Having said that the rugby clubs are social centres, they could do things like coordinate shopping for those in self isolation for example.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
I think the decision to ask players to take pay cuts highlights 3 key points:
1. How vulnerable a commercial model professional club rugby is
2. While the star names -the Faletaus, Priestlands, Josephs etc can probably manage, I do really sympathise with academy & fringe players who are probably paid comparatively meagre amounts -if they have to take 25% cuts they will struggle.
3. The people it will really hit (if extended to them) are the support staff -groundsmen, ticket office staff, bar staff etc.
Let's hope the virus is under control soon and a economic activity starts to revive, otherwise the virus could be the least of our worries.
I'm sure that someone like Pogba's wages for a single week (£290k) could probably pay for all of the ancillary staff at Man Utd. He may have to drop to supermarket own brands for a couple of weeks but I'm sure he would manage!
Rugby season over for all but the Prem - RFU Statement
Adopted players: 23/24 O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
While the majority of the Premiership clubs are thought to have agreed that pay cuts are a necessary and inevitable step, it was not a unanimous decision. Sources have told Sportsmail that Bristol do not intend to reduce wages, while there were suggestions that Bath and Saracens may not either.
There is a post on the Facebook Group from Andy Briddon as follows:
Quote:
If the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership is over, I will not be asking for a Season Ticket refund. I would rather the money was used to support the wages of Club staff who may be threatened with being laid off or being made redundant.
Stay Safe People
COYB
Although this is premature as the season hasn’t been called off yet, I wonder what everyone's views are. For me I agree that the money should be used to support the staff.
Adopted player 2023/24 Matt Gallagher
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:20:14:35:21 by CoochieCoo.
As mentioned previously if the cash has gone then it has gone for this season IMO.
Given the potential for this to stretch out into next season I won't be renewing but will pick up tickets on a match by match basis if available. Unfortunately I'm not wealthy enough to blow the money propping up a wealthy business (OK they lose money) particularly when I have no idea what the size of my next pay chq may be. Add that to the fact that my son will now be an adult ticket rather than a child and that's not far short of £1k all in.
Also as this virus is going to be causing serious disruption until at least the end of this year they can probably kiss goodbye to a full season for 2020/21 as well. Don't see how the club can even think about selling season tickets for next season as we don't even know for sure when it will start.
CoochieCoo There is a post on the Facebook Group from Andy Briddon as follows:
Quote:
If the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership is over, I will not be asking for a Season Ticket refund. I would rather the money was used to support the wages of Club staff who may be threatened with being laid off or being made redundant.
Stay Safe People
COYB
Although this is premature as the season hasn’t been called off yet, I wonder what everyone's views are. For me I agree that the money should be used to support the staff.
I'm in this camp.
Happy to contribute to staff job security with this season's ticket cost.
If the virus is under control by August I am happy to buy for next season too.
Sale might have something to say re Exeter being awarded the title. As only a few points separate them and sale have faced Saries at home whereas Exeter have not. I'm quite sure if only hypothetically that Saries would certainty treat it like a cup final. Sale could then be top of the league. There is just no fare way to adjudicate this mess.
1) this is a great idea to check on those who are self isolating and bring a bit of fun to their day;
2) he looks about 10 years younger without the beard!
Hopefully the Bath players will give Ballsout a call and we can all listen in?
The Guardian is reporting that:
“Saracens, Wasps, Worcester and Gloucester on Friday became the first top-flight clubs to agree 25% pay cuts with their players and staff from next month”
1) this is a great idea to check on those who are self isolating and bring a bit of fun to their day;
2) he looks about 10 years younger without the beard!
Hopefully the Bath players will give Ballsout a call and we can all listen in?
Completely agree and he is unrecognisable beardless!
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Totally agree with Richards, the financial markets are in an unstoppable free fall, people are dying and we are set for martial law in the UK. Ealing @#$%& about losing out on promotion is offensive.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:23:14:54:10 by OutsideBath.
I can only think that this is driven by BT sport money etc? I'm not sure any of the supporters are so bothered that the teams have to cram in a load of games for not much reason other than financial?
Is there anyone on this board who is absolutely adamant that it must be completed - put your hand up if so I am interested to hear the reasoning...and totally open to be convinced.
(I am still of the view that it should be given to Exe, Sarries go down and if there are euro places up for grabs give them to top 4 and hold a lottery or something for the rest. If Bath are in the big or little cup I don't think that our lives would be hugely impacted - in fact we may even see a couple of wins?)
I cannot see how Mr Childs' aim can be practically implemented. Nor how it would be in any way responsible.
The ambition to be "the first sport back on television" is one thing - to expect that to be feasible this season (or even over the summer) highly unrealistic.
I would agree Matt, the only proviso I would make if in any way possible would be that the top 4 teams play a play off. Perhaps at one venue (Twickers) over one weekend.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
shipwrecked I would agree Matt, the only proviso I would make if in any way possible would be that the top 4 teams play a play off. Perhaps at one venue (Twickers) over one weekend.
My only issue with that is that the players won’t have thrown a ball in anger for a couple of months - will be a lottery basically.
Scrap the PL season with no winner, still relegate Sarries on the basis of cap breach. PL should concentrate on getting next season going sometime in 2021 because this virus isn’t going away this year.
I hope that the players are ready to play on hard ground every 2 days over the summer...when they are already out of contract and playing for a team that they have just 'left'.
[23/24 adoptee: Will Butt]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:24:13:23:08 by BathMatt53.
gaz59 Talk of mid week matches and shorter pre season
Madness
Has to be money, TV contracts?
What’s happened to all that talk of player welfare?! Maybe clubs could be restricted from field the same players for consecutive matches, so would have to dig deep into the squad/academy. Could make for some very lopsided matches, not sure there would be much point in that.
BathMatt53 So much for a 25% pay cut - Newcastle Falcons have had to place ALL staff on unpaid leave.
[www.bbc.co.uk]
Championship club Newcastle Falcons have placed all their players and staff on furlough - a period of unpaid leave - because of coronavirus.
That doesn't seem like Newcastle are acting correctly, unless none of them are PAYE staff.
Read a piece by Martin Lewis and he explained that "If you are PAYE for a contracted employer, the company can say we'll put you on furlough and the state will pay 80 percent of your salary up to a maximum of £2,500". So that's not unpaid leave.
I have no medical training but from reading many articles, it does not seem to me that this virus will simply vanish overnight but that it is more likely to diminish slowly. When it does finally disappear it will take time for things to get back to anywhere near normality
Surely it is time that we simply cancelled remaining fixtures in the Premiership. Saracens will be relegated and if you really want to name a 'champion club', I don't think many would be too upset with Exeter. The top 6 clubs can take part in the European cup next year. I know that I do not have to deal with the financial pressures of making money through sport and no matches equal lost revenue but this year is like no other, therefore scrap the fixtures, plan for next season when hopefully things will have returned to normal. Refunds for unplayed matches etc can be worked out.
I have visions of all the coaches (at Bath and elsewhere) poring over videos and designing loads of novel attack and defence patterns. Could be interesting to see what emerges when playing starts again.
Apparently Bath players are going to be asked to sign a letter to send to Tarquin saying the cut is a breach of contract. " We do not agree in the reduction of our pay. This is a breach of contract and we reserve our rights to claim our full contractural entitlement. "
No names are mentioned as to who has written the letter. Legally correct but not exactly career advancing either at Bath or any club for that matter.
The implication is that its not only Bath players.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
I would be quite happy for any players that think their (decent) salaries are more important than the club staying solvent to move on tbh. I’m sure their are guys in there who would play for nothing if needed. Contrast this with people like Danny Care on the RUW podcast who made it clear that it’s not great but that, if this is what is needed, then it’s a necessary sting in a time when lots (most?) of the country are having to similarly tighten their belts through furlough or similar. Before anyone asks me whether I would say that to the face of any player who is of this view, yes I would - assuming that it is actually true of course.
I sincerely hope the story in the papers is incorrect but regrettably fear that their is an element of truth in what's printed or it would not have been published.
I am retired so should not suffer a loss of income but I fully understand the difficulties it puts on families and individuals who are asked to reduce their earnings at any time. Some people have lost 100% of their incomes not just 25%.
However, I firmly believe for the whole country's and the world's benefit, people have to accept these measures, hopefully for a short time, as everyone's economy and standard of living will be catistrophically effected and ruined. That could lead to all sorts of unrest and famine etc.
Please those Bath players who are objecting, think of the wider picture here and the consequences of not accepting the situation the whole world and country finds itself in.
And, on a personal note, I feel slightly embarrassed that my rugby club is being painted in this light. In the longer term, people/sponsers/owners will remember who did this and the consequences of their objections could be very far reaching for everyone involved.
Adopted player 2020/21 Beno 'the Transformer' Obano
Adopted player 2019/20 Jonathan 'JJ' Joseph.The Jink Joseph.
Adopted player 2018/19 Adopted player 2018/19 Semesa 'The Rock' Rokoduguni
I agree with most of that BoB but you can write a letter to state your case for a later date legally to prevent long term protection of your income, I have no problem with that.
The problem comes when that letter is presented as a rebellious act by a bored journalist, that to my mind is the contemptuous act.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
It appears the squad aren’t best pleased at having to take a 25% pay cut over the next few months, Neil Fissler claims to have two video messages from one of the ring leaders and a copy of the letter..! Not a good look, apparently the Tigers might be looking to do something similar.
Not worth commenting on while just an ubstantiated rumour, particularly given the emotive nature of the topic. If it transpired there was some truth in it however...
ballsout Absolutely pathetic. All respect lost for the players.
No surprise though, there’s zero club culture at Bath. All playing for the paycheque not the club, and it’s been showing for years.
You are the one who is absolutely pathetic BO. ‘ALL playing for the paycheque’ what a load of garbage.
KPN on Twitter says he doesn’t know much about it but thinks it is probably how the club did it rather than why it was done, that might have got players backs up.
I could see that being the case so will wait for more details before hanging the players out to dry.
Of course some other commentators suggested 25% wasn’t nearly big enough of a salary drop considering the performances of the team for the last three years, which is a view I also have some sympathy with...
A message from Club Captain @charlieewels; "As Captain of our Club, I can categorically say that the reports in @TheRugbyPaper are not true, and as a playing group, we are not in revolt against our Club."
CoochieCoo Tweet from the club
A message from Club Captain @charlieewels; "As Captain of our Club, I can categorically say that the reports in @TheRugbyPaper are not true, and as a playing group, we are not in revolt against our Club."
Slow news day / week / month for that weasel Fissler and his various rags obviously.
(Sounds like it is an extension of the RPA request to clubs for additional clarity in relation to things like banding and when it will all go back to normal etc?)
[23/24 adoptee: Will Butt]
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:29:09:07:57 by BathMatt53.
So Fissler needs to apologise and the players accused need to clarify. Unsubstantiated rumours about transfers is one thing but disrespecting the paying supporters is quite different, spreading lies like that needs a slap. Having said that someone must have said something.
Charlie Ewels, thanks for clarifying.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Reading Ewels’ excellent statement on the offy, it sounds like a few players might just be seeking some guidance from the PRA. Which is fair enough, given contracts ending etc but it sounds like Hooper and Tarquin are handling it well.
Good stuff from the club and the club captain to get on the front foot and quash the story.
Good stuff from ballsout too! Never misses a chance to spout his brand of nonsense. Brightened up my morning with a good laugh.
Unfortunately I suspect we are going to get more of this rubbish due to journos having no sport to write about. Filling their columns with at best speculation at worst invention. If players were in conversation with the club about where they stand it is their business not mine and certainly nothing that should concern a journalist ( I use the term advisedly).
They are hardly going to say, yep we are in revolt though, are they?
Im sure some arent happy at all but that is a long way from revolt..
so they are probably seeking some clarity.
I dont think they could alter a contract with both sides agreeing but might have had tgeir arm twisted to agree.
Wheres Nigel Wray and his salary cap 'ideas' when you need him.
If players hage signed for x dollars and now have -25% or whatever on the table, they arent going to be happy.
Consider the Saracens boys though, they now have 2 sets of salary, potential that has disappeared..??
John Tee They are hardly going to say, yep we are in revolt though, are they?
Im sure some arent happy at all but that is a long way from revolt..
so they are probably seeking some clarity.
I dont think they could alter a contract with both sides agreeing but might have had tgeir arm twisted to agree.
Wheres Nigel Wray and his salary cap 'ideas' when you need him.
If players hage signed for x dollars and now have -25% or whatever on the table, they arent going to be happy.
Consider the Saracens boys though, they now have 2 sets of salary, potential that has disappeared..??
OMG. Bring it back to Saracens again. Thank you for finally confirming you don't have a life. Sad really.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:29:10:57:21 by Dave Berko.
I think that the RPA has advised to send a standard wording letter of dissent so that they keep their options open. As Charlie alludes to in his statement the “playing group” are 100 % in support of the club and their actions. Maybe those leaving or out of contract and some with nothing to go to as yet wish to enforce their contracts. Charlie does also state that the majority have accepted so this is in line with my thinking above.
The Falcons players and staff have been put on furlough by the club so only £2.5-3k per mth for each of them for the forseeable future. No sign of protest up there at the moment...
Adopted players: 23/24 O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
John Tee They are hardly going to say, yep we are in revolt though, are they?
Im sure some arent happy at all but that is a long way from revolt..
so they are probably seeking some clarity.
I dont think they could alter a contract with both sides agreeing but might have had tgeir arm twisted to agree.
Wheres Nigel Wray and his salary cap 'ideas' when you need him.
If players hage signed for x dollars and now have -25% or whatever on the table, they arent going to be happy.
Consider the Saracens boys though, they now have 2 sets of salary, potential that has disappeared..??
OMG. Bring it back to Saracens again. Thank you for finally confirming you don't have a life. Sad really.
Its the same situation whereby players sign for x and recieve y so plenty of those conversations to be had.
But.....your club is guilty of cheating the cap and doesnt have the excuse of the current situation...they've been doing for years to buy trophies.
You want to talk about sad....supporting a club that does that is rock bottom in sporting terms...although there sure isnt anything sporting about it.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:29:13:22:21 by John Tee.
The trouble is, there's no smoke without fire. Obviously the truth is somewhere between the club statement and Fissler. If bell Fissler has video footage he was sent from a player then there's obviously something in it. Probably just a smaller group of players.
The real issue is that squad player(s) are leaking stuff to the papers, it's not the first time that stuff has come out in the press about Bath, more than most other clubs. That sort of thing is terrible for squad morale/culture.
A good indicator of how much England have improved under Jones compared to the decade before him, the starting England XV doesn't get leaked a few days before Tests on his watch.
BathMatt53 John Tee, with respect would you mind taking your argument with Sarries to another board? Many thanks, BM53.
It wasnt an arguemdnt until someone made it so.
The point stands, every club is having to try and reduce payments to their players, and Saracens doubley so in some cases.
Fissler saying that he has proof - one player interviewed, I’m assuming its some p’ed off mercenary with a score to settle against Bath. Of course nobody is going to let off party poppers when they get a 25% pay cut - but presumably they are happy for a few off field staff to get the chop so they can keep their full salary whilst doing a bit of exercise and watching Netflix?
Good question, sw. Not obviously. Most I follow seem very much in support. It seems like a united front.
Freddie would be one that springs to mind that hasn't posted the same pic as the rest of the boys. Obviously, he is one who is at the end of his contract and perhaps is one with an uncertain future, although that may well be reading too much into it.
Thanks, not really across masses of social media so it good to get the opinion of someone who is! Nice to know a big core of the current squad are fully on board!
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
dr.bath1865 By the looks of social media, the vast majority squad are out in support of Ewels’ message. Doesn’t look like much of a revolt...
Indeed, however this comment from Chris Foy in the "My Blueprint...." column in DM today ( the contents therein provide some interesting ideas - the February season start I like )
"Bath felt compelled to issue a statement yesterday declaring the players are not preparing a revolot against their employers in response to the enforced 25 per cent pay cut.
However, this column has seen evidence there is a militant mood within the squad — if not the whole group, then certainly a sizeable faction.
The possibility of strike action has been discussed, although the consensus appears to involve players reserving the option to claw back any lost earnings at a later date.
While they are mindful this is a time of global crisis, there is a belief that the action taken by all the clubs amounts to breach of contract.
There is no winner in all of this. Players are quite entitled to maximise income but the game cannot afford to support the wage inflation of recent seasons."
Too long living in the FH ivory towers perhaps? Or very poor media management by players and agents.
Tis a pity regardless. But in the round of things, all of this pretty insignificant.
P G Tips The Times mentions concern for those on lowest income and for those who will soon be out of contract- seems reasonable enough to me.
Nothing of militant mood, strike action etc.
There is of course the union -PRA - position. Anybody know what that is?
PG
I thought that there was a lower floor to those who had to take a cut?
As for those soon out of contract, well welcome to the world of freelancers and zero hours contracts etc who have been given the boot. Surely they would have had some ideas lined up for 3 months time when they were out of work?
(How are they going to go on strike before the end of the season by the way?)
hemington I wonder how many Senior Citizens would be happy to have 25% of their pensions taken away to support the National Cause
Most Senior Citizens wouldn't reach the minimum threshold so wouldn't have it reduced. Could / should a player on 400k a year take a (say) 3 month hit of 25% to stop people being made redundant or clubs going bust? That RPA statement above seems to agree that this is acceptable under the circumstances.
I can't remember what was being reported - somewhere between £30k and £50k I think (£37.5k rings a bell but happy to be corrected). Anyone above this would have 25% deferred* was the gist when they spoke about it on the RUW podcast. Some media have reported a 'blanket cut' but that conflicts with what Danny Care has said had been accepted throughout the league.
[*Danny Care also said that it would be deferred only and was going to be paid back at some point?]
If anything rugby specific comes from the events and outcomes affecting our cosy life styles and disrupting our expectations of instant gratification, as seemed the norm until 7 days ago, I hope 6 Nations and World Rugby will have a good hard look at their years of selfish greed and start to help the brother and sisters who have soldiered on outside of the Tier 1 comfort bubble for many years.
Dan Leo's observations delivers some real perspective.
I doubt whether their populations will receive any support to alleviate or mitigate the effects of their Government's decisions.
"Dan Leo, CEO of the Pacific Rugby Players Welfare organisation, has a message for Tier 1 rugby nations as they face serious financial worries: “welcome to our world.”
The irony of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa asking the Northern Hemisphere nations to help cover lost income by agreeing to share revenue from any test matches that can be arranged in Europe later this year – COVID-19 restrictions permitting – is not lost on Leo who wrote to all of the Six Nations chief executives in July last year outlining the PRPW argument that a ten per cent profit share model in favour of a Tier Two side being hosted by a Tier 1 country should be introduced.
Now, with Tier One nations adding their voices to the argument, Samoa, Fiji and Tonga are aiming to jump on a bigger bandwagon and use any revenue sharing agreement as a template for their own bid to be allowed to earn much-needed income to fund the sport in the Islands nations.
Leo received neutral responses from the Six Nations CEO’s and has asked Bill Beaumont, chairman of World Rugby, to help press for a fair deal. Leo told RugbyPass: “The current crisis really is a case for the Tier One nations of welcome to our world. These kind of financial problems are what the Pacific Islands nations deal with every year – it is normal for us. What COVID-19 has done is bring the same situation to the doorsteps of the bigger nations.
“It is very easy for the Tier One nations to ignore this kind of issue when you don’t ever have to deal with it yourself, but that has now changed."
" It is estimated that 20 per cent of Tonga’s GDP is from money sent back by rugby players operating overseas and the pay cuts directly affect the money that would have been earmarked for transfer home to support large family groups.
With that kind of pressure on players who are unable to earn money – particularly those on pay-for-play contracts- the pandemic is creating serious mental health issues for those self-isolating. "
(More comment on thread)
Most these days seem to know the cost of everything, and the value of nothing.
"The board of USA Rugby has voted to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a result of "insurmountable financial constraints" in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
The governing body suspended sanctioned competition and rugby activities indefinitely on 20 March due to the ongoing global pandemic.
A case filed under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code is frequently referred to as a 'reorganisation' bankruptcy.
USA Rugby will undergo a restructuring process with input from World Rugby, while the country's men's and women's senior national teams will continue to compete as normal when rugby returns.
The governing body described the decision as the best way to "deliver a foundation for future stability".
How many Rugby Clubs in UK will go the same way? How many clubs will be left in the Bath Combination come the next season? No bar takings, no minis / 7s tournament incomes etc?
These end of season events are often some of the most serious fund raising activities for many of the smaller clubs as many of you will be aware.
"Three-quarters of Rugby Australia’s staff will be stood down for three months and the remainder retained on drastically reduced salaries as the code braces for a potential $120 million hit from the COVID-19 pandemic.
RA chief executive Raelene Castle announced what was described as “the toughest decision in the game’s history” on Tuesday after meeting Rugby Australia Players’ Association boss Justin Harrison.
Castle, who will take a 50 per cent pay cut, said she’ll ensure staff stood down would have access to “whatever government support is available” and that talks with RUPA were ongoing to reach an “appropriate” agreement on player salary reductions.
Talk of widespread disagreement with the cuts at Bath appear to be overstated with just a minority of players looking to protect their own financial wellbeing in this time of uncertainty, which is understandable as those set to leave the club when their contracts expire in June go into a transfer market in uncharted waters.
Burns, who revealed he is almost certainly moving on next season, said: “You have to take into account that people have different situations with the club.
"Some guys are tied into long term contracts who wouldn’t want to upset the club or do anything to upset the way they go about their business day to day; then you have got some guys who are leaving and probably feel like they need that money and want to take it.
Sounds selfish and a bit petty to me. You don't want me any more so I'm going to try and bleed the club dry when its on its knees, as they all are. Interested to know how their destination clubs would view that approach rather than one a bit more understanding of the greater picture in the sport as well as the country (and world). Guess what, pretty much everyone is going to feel the pinch and that doesn't include ones at home doing not much.
[23/24 adoptee: Will Butt]
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:31:17:00:27 by BathMatt53.
Of course that does not include Scots teams in Pro14, so the decision on "no automatic promotion and relegation" has no impact on ECC.
However, I think there is a signpost here for the Premiership. It will hurt financially, but I think scrap this season - Teams currently 1-6 enter the Heineken, teams 7-11, plus Newcastle the Challenge Cup, Saracens go down.
"01 April, 1:25pm
England’s Premiership rugby clubs are informing players they are being furloughed during the COVID-19 crisis with individual letters expected to be sent out by all 12 clubs.
The Rugby Players Association is understood to be “picking up the pieces” and advising the players of their legal position in relation to their contracts following this latest move by the clubs to try and avoid going out of business but the union has issued a strongly worded statement denying they fuelling unrest amongst their members."
It was explained on the RUW podcast yesterday that they can furlough and claim the money from the government but then top up the salaries themselves. There was talk about whether players would be able to appear on social media or do any media things as this would constitute work and possibly even club profile raising.
BathMatt53 Talk of widespread disagreement with the cuts at Bath appear to be overstated with just a minority of players looking to protect their own financial wellbeing in this time of uncertainty, which is understandable as those set to leave the club when their contracts expire in June go into a transfer market in uncharted waters.
Burns, who revealed he is almost certainly moving on next season, said: “You have to take into account that people have different situations with the club.
"Some guys are tied into long term contracts who wouldn’t want to upset the club or do anything to upset the way they go about their business day to day; then you have got some guys who are leaving and probably feel like they need that money and want to take it.
Sounds selfish and a bit petty to me. You don't want me any more so I'm going to try and bleed the club dry when its on its knees, as they all are. Interested to know how their destination clubs would view that approach rather than one a bit more understanding of the greater picture in the sport as well as the country (and world). Guess what, pretty much everyone is going to feel the pinch and that doesn't include ones at home doing not much.
FWIW the ACAS advice to employers generally is that existing employment contract terms and policies apply. So someone who has resigned or had contract fairly terminated has no right to any payments or rights including to return other than what is in contract
Its a joke that these Premier League clubs are still paying their players but taking money from the Government to pay the staff - I'm with Harry R on this one its embarrassing IMO.
From a Sales & Marketing point of view, I think Hasks makes some very good points and observations, and must be examined despite the howls and wailings of the "traditional purists"
Presentation and coverage seem only focused for the cognoscenti which is not where marketing benefits, and new fan market expansion will be delivered.
Plenty for the "great and good" to contemplate during this unexpected hiatus.
Rugby, as an event to attract growing support from non-traditional audiences must become more inclusive and less exclusive IMHO.
shipwrecked "Anyone who hasnn't been around a changing room for the last 5 years is just watching it like everyone else."
No thats a statement its very hard to disagree with! (N.B. BBC)
Crap... that gives me a year to find a club before I stop commenting on rugby.
Seriously though, I don't think it's so much how recent they are to the game. Some of them are awful (cough, PO'C, cough). It's more whether they are able to provide 'journalistic insight' in an interesting way.
The way Wilkinson explains things, from the emotions and mindset through to the technique is superb. Others, you get the feeling, just have an axe to grind. They're the ones to keep away.
Adopted Player:
[23-24] - Joe Cokanasiga
[22-23] - Mike Williams
[21-22] - Ben Spencer
[20-21] - Will Vaughan
[19-20] -
[18-19] - Taulupe Faletau
shipwrecked "Anyone who hasnn't been around a changing room for the last 5 years is just watching it like everyone else."
No thats a statement its very hard to disagree with! (N.B. BBC)
Crap... that gives me a year to find a club before I stop commenting on rugby.
I was referring to commentators rather than comments so your OK.
Wilkinson is class and his comments well worth listening to, but an exception, the Butler generation far less so, the likes of Moyne, Care, Dallaglio are becoming less relevant.
Remember Bill McLaren? Perhaps, no technical genius but he recognised the players, had the odd story to tell and had a way of describing action in terms anyone could understand, his descriptions such as "all arms & legs like a mad octopus", "a mad giraffe" and "a runaway buffalo". Painted a picture anyone could understand and he did it with infectious enthusiasm.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:04:03:15:26:05 by shipwrecked.
Is it me, or is it the short payment window the players experience that drives this but I don't see why footballers in this instance believe they are different from the rest of the population.
Wayne Rooney and others believe they are being singled out for pay cuts..
Latest argument is that cutting their wages penalises the NHS!
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Says a lot about the inflated egos and self deluded belief of their importance of the Premier league players. Not all of them, one or two seem to have a social conscience.
Mind you, their fleeced supporters who have no jobs, no money coming in, living in very challenging situations might not be able to afford the season tickets or Sky memberships. Hopefully, the sheer economics might bring the English league in line with many in Spain and Italy where top players have taken vast cuts in earnings plus donated large sums to help the people of the country and relieve some financial pressure on their clobs.
Adopted player 2020/21 Beno 'the Transformer' Obano
Adopted player 2019/20 Jonathan 'JJ' Joseph.The Jink Joseph.
Adopted player 2018/19 Adopted player 2018/19 Semesa 'The Rock' Rokoduguni
shipwrecked Latest argument is that cutting their wages penalises the NHS!
This sounds true to me - if the players take a wage cut and that cut is just kept by the clubs or the TV people as opposed to them being paid and taxed heavily when that proportion (50%?) would go to the Government instead? The only way it works is if the players ask for their 30% to go to the NHS rather than being paid it.
"The coronavirus pandemic has hit the world of sport extremely hard, but in February, the RFU also announced they would be slashing funding to its Championship clubs and when you combine both setbacks together, teams competing in the second tier of English rugby are now under significant strain. “We’ve had a double whammy in a very short period of time,” Bow says. “Of course, all levels of rugby will be suffering immensely but for us as a club, we are running very tight. It’s a tough time.”.......
"But one of the more pressing points, in Bow’s view, is whether the RFU are doing enough to help clubs through this difficult time. The Nottingham chairman has already been vocal about the absence of leadership at the top of the sport and Bow has also been angered by the lack of clarity shown by the game’s governing body.
“I think the RFU are a disgrace to the game,” Bow tells TRU. “I think that is probably the best word I can use. They are our governing body. I have seen every other sport being backed, including our Scottish and Welsh counterparts.
“I feel that Nottingham have not had any communication directly from the RFU. I have not had one email from our chief executive or chairman and yet I have got numerous businesses and I have personally been in touch with the people involved with them. I would have least expected the RFU to have made contact either via telephone conference or email to all the clubs right down through to grassroots offering their support.”
Bow says the RFU’s support package of £7million is “misleading” and he believes the figure is equivalent to “£200 a club.” Equally, he struggles to understand why there isn’t further funds available to help those in a more precarious position. “I think the headline figure that was in Bill Sweeney’s report was all about how much the RFU is going to lose,” he says.
“What was it, £50million? Well, I do feel that they probably need to stop whining about how much the RFU are going to lose and concentrate on where they are going to find the money, or borrow the money, to get a rescue package together for the whole of the English rugby union clubs because they are going to need it.”
On the day we chat over the phone, the RFU also announced the extension of Eddie Jones’ contract until the conclusion of the 2023 World Cup."
Has any other clubmen/women who peruse this board been made aware of any updates to your local clubs??
Their arguments are valid in many ways...
1) As BathMatt noted, the top earners are paying huge amounts in tax anyway
2)Why are footballers being singled out? Lots of high earners in all sorts of fields, yet the feeling is that because footballers are public figures they're easy to target.
3)Many footballers are doing a lot to help. There's an argument that they should be left to do so. Being told 'We expect you to do this' removes any sense of pride/involvement.
4)The scrutiny placed on them by Matt Hancock came as the PFA and representatives like Jordan Henderson were in the process of sorting out some coordinated action. There's the suspicion that during a crisis like this it's good to throw up a few scapegoats.
I know it's easy to point out stories about the likes of Kyke Walker and Jack Grealish and characterise all footballers as arrogant and removed from reality but many aren't.
Tell Wayne Rooney Tom. Its PR disaster, it just looks as though they are saying we are too good and essential to have our salaries cut in the same way the rest of the UK has.
Every football fan in the country is affected by the current situation, some furloughed how do you think it would be received on match day, if there were one?
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Some of the footballers are total class, Kanté is well known for paying more tax than Amazon, driving a bashed mini and using a phone with a cracked screen whilst spending his money on charitable causes around the UK and Africa.
Windfall tax the investment bankers and investment funds like Rees Mogg who works for a company who think that this is brilliant because they can make zillions from the low markets.
You don't have to criticise the generalised singling out of one section of society by the generalised singling out of another section of society (with some ad hominem to boot).
Those who make profits in this time should be taxed on them. There will be far more who lose out.
Whether we should have higher taxes on those who earn astronomical sums, be it in sport or finance or whatever, is another question.
Some people in this pandemic, have secure jobs and will suffer no paycut and lose no money and may even be paid more after this crisis. A different crisis might bring security to different roles. Should they be taxed for their good fortune and the advantage they gain?
The Bear You don't have to criticise the generalised singling out of one section of society by the generalised singling out of another section of society (with some ad hominem to boot).
Those who make profits in this time should be taxed on them. There will be far more who lose out.
Whether we should have higher taxes on those who earn astronomical sums, be it in sport or finance or whatever, is another question.
Some people in this pandemic, have secure jobs and will suffer no paycut and lose no money and may even be paid more after this crisis. A different crisis might bring security to different roles. Should they be taxed for their good fortune and the advantage they gain?
Hancock specifically singled out footballers which seemed harsh to me. JRM and his company was since used as an example by the media and I highlighted this (and agree with it). The footballers are just seen as a general target of a person paid really well but they don't appear to be profiting from the carnage. Either way I thought that this was a place where views could be expressed as long as they don't disagree with others on here of course?
"MPs are to receive a 3.1% pay rise, taking their basic salary for 2020/21 from £79,468 to £81,932, it has been announced. The hike, effective from April 1, follows a 2.7% boost to MPs’ pay last year, 1.8% in 2018, 1.4% in 2017, 1.3% in 2016 and a 10.4% increase from £67,000 to £74,000 in July 2015. The announcement marks the first time MPs’ salaries have exceeded £80,000. In 2010, MPs’ annual salary was £65,738 – an increase of £16,194 in ten years. When you factor in inflation, it works out as roughly a 2% increase. Many MPs who hold other duties receive an additional salary, including chairs of select committees and ministers. Select committee chairs will now be given a further £16,422, up from £15,928 in April 2019."
I'd have less problem with the figures if MPs were 100% MPs but most have side incomes, directorships, lobbying, journalism etc etc. Being an MP should be the only income they receive and they should work 100% of their time in the job. They have plenty of holidays and job perks (cheap food & drink, travel etc)
And fully agree with you too BathMatt. Anyone seen the article on Rees-Mogg's company. It is obscene the way he is exploiting this disaster for his own gain
I've not seen Rooney's interview Shipwrecked, but do feel footballers make easy targets, especially as loads of them have made great contributions, financially and in other ways. If you're suggesting that Rooney wasn't particularly articulate or didn't argue his case well I wouldn't be particularly surprised.
Hancock specifically singled out footballers which seemed harsh to me. JRM and his company was since used as an example by the media and I highlighted this (and agree with it). The footballers are just seen as a general target of a person paid really well but they don't appear to be profiting from the carnage. Either way I thought that this was a place where views could be expressed as long as they don't disagree with others on here of course?
Say what you want... And I agree that singling out footballers was daft. But it doesn't need to be caveated by singling out another group. Maybe I'm just too used to Twitter and the many bad takes...
Still there will be some who profit from this crisis. But the taxation system has not stopped. If they profit they pay. And there will always be speculators where you have a stock market. Many of those will be your pensions or your savings. It's uncomfortable but these businesses exist to make money from the stock market and not just track it up and down.
Adopted Player:
[23-24] - Joe Cokanasiga
[22-23] - Mike Williams
[21-22] - Ben Spencer
[20-21] - Will Vaughan
[19-20] -
[18-19] - Taulupe Faletau
Much discussion tonight about clubs going to the wall on 5 Live, Restoration of Div 3 North and South. Some feeling this season is over with a year without football.
Not sure this will happen but lower league clubs might go with no income for a year they need financial support.
There was also some discussion that TV might recover money from the clubs. I agree Tom they are an easy target but at the top the spokespeople really need to be careful what they say. The game might crumble beneath them.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
People at the top... yes! PFA reps and the like. Rooney is player-coach at a struggling Championship side! He's interviewed because of who he is(was?), not because he's a spokesperson for the game.
TomReagan People at the top... yes! PFA reps and the like. Rooney is player-coach at a struggling Championship side! He's interviewed because of who he is(was?), not because he's a spokesperson for the game.
OK Tom you are right I over promoted Rooney but he is high profile, more importantly he would be completely unaffected by a 30% cut. Football needs to lose the image of rich greedy players protecting their salaries.
Thats the way its being viewed at the moment anyway.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
On that I agree! Many footballers recognise this too but the media prefer examples that perpetuate the stereotype, especially at times like these. Drifting slightly away from this I felt the same about many online news sites talking of lockdown being flouted by thousands, yet showing photos of people walking along empty beaches or lying in the sun yards from others. If people are social distancing and not going far they're being responsible. It's almost as if the thinking is that enjoyment, however shortlived, is banned. My local woods have been closed. I rarely saw anyone there even before lockdown was introduced and if you're within 2 metres of someone there they're about to mug you. The upshot is that people exercising their dogs will need to drive on elsewhere. I know lockdown needs to be adhered to and people must avoid others, but times of crisis are manna from heaven for the media and, in some cases, petty bureaucrats.
I did wonder why Paris is now making everyone exercise after 7pm. Does this mean that there are the same number of those exercising but now all packing into a small window so more likely to pass each other?
My thoughts exactly, but dogs and dog owners will be very happy. The dogs will get lots of exercise and their owners can rake it in. How much could you charge by the hour for renting out your dog?
BathMatt53 I did wonder why Paris is now making everyone exercise after 7pm. Does this mean that there are the same number of those exercising but now all packing into a small window so more likely to pass each other?
It is designed in theory to ensure that during the day, the streets and other areas are exclusively open for use by the key workers, and that in the evening, these same areas are free for those who wish to jog, run etc relatively more freely in these same spaces.
That's the idea I've gleaned from the French medias.
PS-although my mate stuck in a flat in Paris with her 14 year old son says the justification is merdre (might have misspelt that but when Xavier was monting lescaliers or was sous l'arbre that bit of vocab never appeared!)
"England’s Premiership Rugby has drawn up contingency plans with the competition unlikely to be given the all-clear to resume until the middle of summer at the earliest, and then probably behind closed doors. It has suspended fixtures until April 24th but that date is set to be extended this week.
The clubs are looking at a number of models with the priority getting the sport back on television amid fears that its broadcasters BT, who have had to offer subscription freezes to viewers to compensate for a lack of live action, will seek a rebate that will hit organisations that are already struggling with income reduced to a trickle.
One plan is to finish the current season with a couple of special playoff weekends in August at a big ground such as Twickenham to decide the champions before starting a new campaign. The downside is that the bulk of the clubs would not be involved, even if they would benefit financially and it would suit BT who would need to prepare only one stadium for live broadcasting.
Another is to organise a one-off cup competition that would involve all 12 clubs and give BT live action given the broadcaster would lose 11 weekends of matches – almost half the season – if the current campaign were abandoned with nothing replacing it. It would last for a month and finish just before the start of the new season, although they are also prepared to delay the start of the 2020-21 campaign."
All 12 clubs being the 11 + Sarries, or Newcastle? If Newcastle aren't involved do they get to start the new season without the benefit of having played a month of top class rugby?
Club announcement that season postponement extended.
Premiership Rugby have today announced a further postponement of the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season as the UK continues to fight the Coronavirus pandemic.
The news follows an initial five-week suspension of all Gallagher Premiership matches and secondary competitions that was due to end on 20th April 2020.
At this stage, Premiership Rugby have not confirmed new dates on which the affected matches will be rearranged, but stress that the intention still remains to play all games and complete the 2019/20 season as soon as it can be done safely.
Bath Rugby will continue to keep its supporters informed on Premiership Rugby’s decisions on the continuation of the Gallagher Premiership and secondary competitions.
All Bath Rugby fixtures are affected and will remain off sale until the rearranged 2019/20 season schedule is able to be confirmed.
Tarquin McDonald, Bath Rugby, Chief Executive shared this message to our supporters;
“Our priority continues to be to protect our people, our supporters and our community in these unsettling times.
“We are doing all we can to protect the future of our Club so that we can get back to playing rugby at the Rec as soon as it is safe to do so.
“We continue to ask you all to put your health and that of others first, following the advice provided by the Government and the NHS to stay at home and thank you for your kindness and patience during this time of uncertainty.”
The Club will provide further clarity as soon as it is in a position to do so regarding the rearrangement of postponed matches, together with information on the refund process if supporters are unable to attend the rearranged games.
Adopted player 2023/24 Matt Gallagher
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:04:08:15:12:45 by CoochieCoo.
Colin Slade will be 33 in October - not sure that's the sort of player w should be looking for. Ben Volavola is 'exciting' though (as long as you overlook the mistakes). Hugo Bonneval not too shabby at 15.
[23/24 adoptee: Will Butt]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:04:09:10:28:18 by BathMatt53.
I'm no legal expert, let alone sports employment law, but I found this article regarding Jonny May's return to Glaws opening up a can of worms quite intriguing. Anyone with greater knowledge who'd care to comment and enlighten will be gratefully thanked.
"Jonny May’s move from Leicester Tigers back to Gloucester will “set a precedent” that threatens contractual chaos across a range of sports, a leading lawyer has warned.
May, an England wing, would have taken a pay cut to stay at Leicester and will now return to Kingsholm, where he came through the academy set-up, when his contract expires on 30 June.
Yet the Premiership season, currently suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic with nine rounds still to play, will almost certainly extend well beyond that date.
Legally, however, May is free to take up his deal at Gloucester from 1 July – the standard start date for rugby and football contracts – and could play against Leicester at Kingsholm if the season resumes.
Richard Cramer, a managing partner at Leeds-based law firm Front Row Legal, believes new guidelines must be set out to resolve conflicts related to player movement, salary cap and bonuses.
Fifa has proposed that football contracts are “extended until such time that the season does actually end”, but Cramer warned May’s transfer will lay down a marker across several sports. He said: “There is nothing in English law to prevent Jonny May allowing his contract to expire at Leicester and join Gloucester on 1 July, even though the Premiership rugby season is nowhere near complete.
“The big debate is whether Premiership Rugby will register him as a Gloucester player to allow him to play a part in the remainder of the 2019-20 season.
“To block May from doing so would be, in my view, a restraint of trade and a significant number of footballers will have already signed contracts elsewhere with effect from 1 July........."
Former England fullback Nick Abendanon said he was retiring because of a lack of an opportunity to prove his quality with the French Top 14 season on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"Abendanon, 33, who made his two Test appearances in 2007, joined French club Clermont in 2014 after nine seasons with Bath and his contract finishes this off-season.
“It’s difficult but at the end of June, I have to stop, I haven’t got a choice,” Abendanon told newspaper Midi Olympique.
“In my head, I hoped to play as much as possible at the end of the season to prove I was at this level and I deserved a contract at another club,” he added....."
I wouldn’t be unhappy if Bath offered him something (say a season with some sort of injury clause) if there was budget and his expectations were realistic. Still a good 15 when fit and won’t be away for the million international games next season. Dependent on whether Homer is off to Japan obviously.
BathMatt53 I wouldn’t be unhappy if Bath offered him something (say a season with some sort of injury clause) if there was budget and his expectations were realistic. Still a good 15 when fit and won’t be away for the million international games next season. Dependent on whether Homer is off to Japan obviously.
He might Bod. Especially if it meant one last hurrah.
Of course he was disappointed at leaving but acknowledged that if he had known he would re-establish himself as a first choice starter (on the wing with Watson at FullBack) he would have thought twice about signing for Clermont.
Much changed since then of course, but he seems much more disappointed than bitter when he left.
Disunited The clips are excellent and a reminder of what a special player he was/is. Seems a lifetime ago when we used to play rugby like that!
Agree, what happened/what went wrong ?
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
P G Tips He might Bod. Especially if it meant one last hurrah.
Of course he was disappointed at leaving but acknowledged that if he had known he would re-establish himself as a first choice starter (on the wing with Watson at FullBack) he would have thought twice about signing for Clermont.
Much changed since then of course, but he seems much more disappointed than bitter when he left.
PG
I think you're right PG
A few further comments from Bendy here, seems to imply quietly that a swansong locally might tempt him.
warrenball Would love to see Bendy back, even for a season, but he may have a bit of a culture shock, he is used to playing attacking rugby.
Not entirely true - he has mostly been used to the physio room. 70 mins total in the 18/19 season. 900 mins the 17/18. This season he has played 640 mins which is the most since 16/17 accounting for the fact that so much of it was lost.
He just needs to expect some sort of deal which reflects his record as he would only realistically play a bit-part. Great for TDG to learn from mind you.
A 12 month contract would be potentially great for both parties if the price was right.
I do have an equal number of “wow!” as “WHY?!” memories from his early years, but he seemed better balanced In his last year or two and really kicked on at Clermont.
Come back Bendy, do an Aled Brew and take a one year deal, show us your class [again] and earn another contract just as Aled did. How I have missed you in our shirt. If you sign for us I will renew my season tickets the day after. Come on, you know it makes sense...
Adopted players: 23/24 O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
34 by the time the season starts and, as a relatively slight physique, he’s taken some batterings. I’d rather see Atkins getting those minutes to see if he can be the player Bendy used to be, because I can’t see Bendy himself being the player he used to be.
Optimist 34 by the time the season starts and, as a relatively slight physique, he’s taken some batterings. I’d rather see Atkins getting those minutes to see if he can be the player Bendy used to be, because I can’t see Bendy himself being the player he used to be.
This is why its all about the £££ Opti. If he is cheap as chips because he wants something near Bath for a year while he gets set up for life after rugby then I don't see a downside. Unless he's rubbish in which case i could be like watching Elvis in Vegas in 1976. or Ali vs Berbeck in '81.
Optimist 34 by the time the season starts and, as a relatively slight physique, he’s taken some batterings. I’d rather see Atkins getting those minutes to see if he can be the player Bendy used to be, because I can’t see Bendy himself being the player he used to be.
This is why its all about the £££ Opti. If he is cheap as chips because he wants something near Bath for a year while he gets set up for life after rugby then I don't see a downside. Unless he's rubbish in which case i could be like watching Elvis in Vegas in 1976. or Ali vs Berbeck in '81.
Agreed - he can move in with his extended family to save on rent and eat at Farleigh morning, noon and night to save on their food bills. How hard can it be? Oh for some flair that can turn a match on a side step. Homer is a good player but I would say Bendy Lite by comparison. If TH is off to Japan Bendy would be a fab replacement to rotate with Atkins.
PS - Watson's best postion is wing rather than FB imho...
Adopted players: 23/24 O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
BathMatt53 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/52302741
Saracens have asked their highest earners to defer a portion of their salaries until next season and furloughed the majority of staff.
The move comes after Sarries agreed a 25% pay cut with staff from 1 April because of the coronavirus crisis.
The defending Premiership champions want anyone earning more than £75,000 a year to defer anything above that amount until the start of 2020-21.
That will be a big old hit for people like Farrell - isn't he reportedly on 10 times that amount?
Anyone got any theories on how it'll work?
If they're going to pay back over 12-18 months, that'll run into the 2021-22 season - and presumably that season's salary cap...
Unless there's a specific dispensation for deferred payments to reflect back into the season in which they were due?
in summary, who knows?!
BathMatt53 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/52302741
Saracens have asked their highest earners to defer a portion of their salaries until next season and furloughed the majority of staff.
The move comes after Sarries agreed a 25% pay cut with staff from 1 April because of the coronavirus crisis.
The defending Premiership champions want anyone earning more than £75,000 a year to defer anything above that amount until the start of 2020-21.
That will be a big old hit for people like Farrell - isn't he reportedly on 10 times that amount?
Anyone got any theories on how it'll work?
If they're going to pay back over 12-18 months, that'll run into the 2021-22 season - and presumably that season's salary cap...
Unless there's a specific dispensation for deferred payments to reflect back into the season in which they were due?
in summary, who knows?!
There has always been the rule in the cap that the payment will be apportioned to the season to which it relates, to stop 'front loading'. As such, I don't see a problem with this approach from a technical Cap perspective as you are still declaring that the player will get the salary for this period but it just doesn't hit their pocket until later.
More of an issue would be that the season could potentially stretch to 13 (or 14 months) so I assume that they would have to expand the salary cap limit itself pro-rata to account for this. If next season gets squeezed would this then be pro-rata'ed down again? Or would the total salary over 2 seasons be averaged? Players on a match bonus which goes under the cap would get less if fewer matches are played. If fewer Internationals are played then the players get less and the clubs get less as well, which could also skew things.
The Sun (yes, I know) sports reporting that Earl, Malins, Sinkler and Radradra will all be joining Bristol on 1st July so will be available for any remaining games and playoffs this season... No idea what this means for people like Sam Hill who is potentially moving from one team in the playoffs to another.
Optimist 34 by the time the season starts and, as a relatively slight physique, he’s taken some batterings. I’d rather see Atkins getting those minutes to see if he can be the player Bendy used to be, because I can’t see Bendy himself being the player he used to be.
This is why its all about the £££ Opti. If he is cheap as chips because he wants something near Bath for a year while he gets set up for life after rugby then I don't see a downside. Unless he's rubbish in which case i could be like watching Elvis in Vegas in 1976. or Ali vs Berbeck in '81.
Has to be said, put that many good players together and coaching becomes an irrelevance! I could stand on the side and shout, "Semi, smash a hole up there, Kyle support him and Max just do you broken play bit and finish off please."
Bristol, Exeter, Sale all looking good for next season!
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
I took the Wife and Lass to see Eng v NZ , Nov 2018, and paid over £500 for 3 tickets, face value, that were decent but not exceptional.
I won't hurry to repeat that again, as much as I love watching the ABs in the flesh. I think there'll be a good few others who also don't angle in on Corporate Hospitality junkets that'll reflect a few time.
Just watched replay of the Clash 2017 v Leicester, just shows to a degree how much we miss a quality
9/10
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Rewatching the old matches also shows how much we have missed with Catt and Thomas being out for so long. Stewart and Obano have done well, but the extra depth and experience has been missing.
"A radical move that would only allow the current top four to bid for the title has been put forward to complete the suspended Gallagher Premiership season. RugbyPass understands that Premiership Rugby have been asked to consider the option of splitting the league into three different sections once the green light has been given for matches to resume following the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The argument put forward would have Exeter Chiefs, Sale Sharks, Northampton Saints and Bristol Bears competing in semi-final playoffs to establish who would reach the showpiece final at Twickenham......."
When can rugby restart, it certainly will not under the present restrictions and what makes you think there will be any changes in the next three, six, nine months. Until there is a vaccine contact sports will not resume certainly not crowd attendances at matches either. We are all being asked to keep to social distancing this is unlikely to change any time soon. Corona virus is here to stay until science can find an antidote.
Quite a pensive, balanced piece by Goode - I think the following comments are quite telling:-
"......We have spoken a fair bit about the changing picture at Leicester over the past few years in terms of the hierarchy of the club and the relationship with the fans and the family ethos does seem to have fallen by the wayside. This latest development has the potential to drive a real wedge between players and fans, though.
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Also, league positions and performances on the pitch shouldn’t come into the equation here because it is people’s livelihoods we are talking about but, unfortunately for the Tigers players, the fact that they have underperformed for the last couple of years will make it look worse to a lot of people.
It’s easy for me to sit here as a retired player and say that players are just going to have to accept a pay cut but I honestly don’t see another option given the predicament we have found ourselves in as a sport. I do empathise with the players in that I’m sure some clubs could have handled things better but that doesn’t change the financial situation they are in and the cuts were inevitable.
Nobody wants to take a pay cut and a rugby player’s career is a short one, but this is a story that doesn’t reflect well on anyone. Hopefully, the players can take the broader financial situation into account and it isn’t one that will rumble on for much longer."
Central contracts from the RFU - How do Chris Foy's observations grab you? Always a good time to acquire distressed assets at a time of crisis.
"English rugby needs to adopt a central contract system as the game addresses the financial problems which have been exposed by this lockdown.
Clubs have been forced to cut player wages and there is unrest within many squads about the way the process has been handled. But the fact is that the Premiership elite — with the exception of Exeter — are in varying amounts of debt and there are fears that some could go out of business.
Salary inflation has been one of the key trends of recent years but clubs' income has not kept pace. Teams are spending beyond their means in order to compete.
Wealthy owners are keeping the league afloat, but there is a real prospect of the bubble bursting soon. There is an earnings gulf in England's top division.
After learning that he would not be offered a new contract, veteran Leicester flanker Guy Thompson told The Mail on Sunday: 'You can't have a handful of players taking 80 per cent of the wages and everyone else scrapping for the 20 per cent that's left. It's not a fair playing field and it's not sustainable.'
He is right. The well-paid few are vastly outnumbered by the underpaid many. It is a wonder that there has not been more resentment between team-mates as this trend has taken hold.
At a time when players are objecting to how their clubs are forcing through pay cuts which many fear will become permanent, there is an answer. Central contracts. Most club owners would run a mile from the concept and the RFU are also fearing hardship ahead, but it could be done.
Sell the naming rights to Twickenham: that would pay for it.
Why not have England's top 30 players contracted for a season in three pay bands — £300,000 for those with fewer than 25 caps, £450,000 for those with 25-50 caps and £600,000 for those with more than a half-century of caps?
Others could be added and paid on a pro rata basis, as required.
England players earn £25,000 for each international appearance. That appears unsustainable, too, but a drop in money could be accompanied by a fall in workload. They could have a limit of 10-12 club games per season, on a fee-per-appearance arrangement.
The financial pressure on clubs would ease dramatically, they would still be able to field their best XV in the marquee matches and the salary cap could be reduced.
The lockdown is making many scenarios appear worth considering, so how about this one?
Any plans for a new season structure will be up against a tendency for all parties to protect their patch.
That much was highlighted last week when Simon Halliday, chairman of European club tournament organisers EPCR, warned World Rugby that they would not surrender October — if rugby is playable by then — for national teams to fulfil postponed Tests.
Their concern about a lack of consultation is understandable, but it is inevitable that if the game is operational by the autumn, international rugby must take priority because it generates the most revenue.
However, in this case it must be shared around, between unions and clubs. It is likely the Six Nations will be concluded in October and July tours will also be deferred to that month.
Funds must trickle down to the clubs to alleviate their losses."
To the point of the article - I do not believe in any club that a couple of players command 80% of the wages, particularly as the highest paid are outside of the salary cap. Central contracts are a nice idea if implemented 2 years ago, but the RFU would need to basically buy the clubs to make this happen, and they are nowhere close to being able to afford to do that. The clubs are autonomous and have their own motivations, the RFU owning their players is not part of that.
On a more aesthetic point - Bod it's not appropriate to copy/paste the whole text of an article. Quote the point you're referencing and link to the article please!
They said earlier in the season that they were going to re-lay the pitch this summer to clear the drainage underneath. Maybe they decided to use the downtime to go ahead and do it? Haven’t seen it confirmed though.
"A group of six English Premiership clubs are planning to breakaway from PRL, the administrative arm which represents the 13 Premiership clubs.
They have contacted Martyn Thomas, the former RFU chairman, to use the experienced administrator as a sounding board.
Thomas says that the move, which would create a schism between two parts of the same organisation, is a sign of troubled times in which Rugby Union has to change rapidly if it wants to avoid going bankrupt............."
Which might be the 6 clubs?
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2020:04:29:10:53:54 by Bod.
But how can we come back better and stronger without a ground - we have to be off the Rec for 3 months over the summer. They really need to admit that the rest of the season is unplayable
Susanne But how can we come back better and stronger without a ground - we have to be off the Rec for 3 months over the summer. They really need to admit that the rest of the season is unplayable
From the reports it sounds as if it is most likely that they will play the games at a couple of grounds and this will save the logistics of moving all of the cameras and media bits around. I very much doubt that the Rec will be one of them.
Susanne But how can we come back better and stronger without a ground - we have to be off the Rec for 3 months over the summer. They really need to admit that the rest of the season is unplayable
From the reports it sounds as if it is most likely that they will play the games at a couple of grounds and this will save the logistics of moving all of the cameras and media bits around. I very much doubt that the Rec will be one of them.
Presumably would have to be grounds with 4G surfaces that can take the beating. Wuss and Salaries then. AFAIK neither has an attached hotel but presumably there'd be somewhere local to put everyone. Also presumably all behind closed doors.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:04:30:02:01:51 by joethefanatic.
I really wish people from politics to sport would stop saying this and simply acknowledge the colossal damage this has done and is doing
Yes, of course every event, even immensely tragic ones can bring important learning and adaptation but to suggest a nation or even just an organisation as a whole will soon be stronger and better arising from this crisis is at best crass and at worst totally disrespectful of those whose world seems to have disintegrated because of their personal loss
hasta I suspect they'll want to televise all the games as well, so you'd get:
Friday Eve: Wuss
Sat noon: Sarries
Sat 3pm: Wuss
Sat 5pm: Sarries
Sun 2pm: Wuss
Sun 4pm: Sarries
I don't think that Sarries planning permission allows them to play at their ground on a Saturday (congestion reasons) so they would need to try and amend this under The Coronavirus Act 2020.
Yep I heard that Ricoh & Twickers because both have hotels on site. Also lots of structures in place for putting remote cameras etc I guess. Both have grass pitches so if it turns wet could be some interesting games!!
hasta I suspect they'll want to televise all the games as well, so you'd get:
Friday Eve: Wuss
Sat noon: Sarries
Sat 3pm: Wuss
Sat 5pm: Sarries
Sun 2pm: Wuss
Sun 4pm: Sarries
I don't think that Sarries planning permission allows them to play at their ground on a Saturday (congestion reasons) so they would need to try and amend this under The Coronavirus Act 2020.
I think that's a council thing, not a national legal one. Particularly as congestion wouldn't be an issue! Ricoh/Twicks also makes sense. Probably Ashton Gate too.
gaz59 Not sure if this has been posted earlier, if I apologise but if not it is a very good read and has an interesting BBW link
[www.theguardian.com]
Ive always thought the life of a fringe Prem rugby professional isn't something I envy..
I guess you just need to see it as a bonus which could go at any time. If Flouw can do his accountancy qualifications in between winning a world cup and Dr Roberts can pull out various medical qualifications then others must be able to do something similar in terms of time management.
I'm not going to feel too much sympathy for someone who is getting £120k (the example in the article) at the age of 29 for playing rugby.
I really wish people from politics to sport would stop saying this and simply acknowledge the colossal damage this has done and is doing
Yes, of course every event, even immensely tragic ones can bring important learning and adaptation but to suggest a nation or even just an organisation as a whole will soon be stronger and better arising from this crisis is at best crass and at worst totally disrespectful of those whose world seems to have disintegrated because of their personal loss
It's the same empty posturing without a shred of foundation the club have been guilty of for years.
BathMatt53 Anyhoo, back on topic. France have banned sport for 4 months so the 1/4 finals of the champions cup are now Sept...what a mess.
Professional rugby seems to be in denial about the fate of season 19/20, time for them to concede defeat and cancel it. What they should be concerned about is how they can possibly start season 20/21 this year.
BathMatt53 Anyhoo, back on topic. France have banned sport for 4 months so the 1/4 finals of the champions cup are now Sept...what a mess.
Professional rugby seems to be in denial about the fate of season 19/20, time for them to concede defeat and cancel it. What they should be concerned about is how they can possibly start season 20/21 this year.
OB I suspect that they would be up for cancelling this season (which was a bit of a shambles anyway with the RWC and Sarries) and having a clean slate for the next except for the financial implications of doing that, sponsorships, TV money, ST's etc? As it is, it seems that they think they have no choice but to force it through against all the odds shoehorning games with unfit players in empty grounds.
You’re probably right BM, guess it’s being driven by BT. Only consideration seems to be allowing BT to start charging for their sport channels again. The ST and sponsors could be dealt with.
No consideration for player health or the integrity of the competition.
Even so they seem to be forgetting the 20/21 season isn’t viable in the normal format.
At the risk of mixing this thread with the coronavirus one. I cant see why, when there is access to fast testing outside of the NHS why things can't start up at least with the players. There's no point in just shutting everything down, without trying, it will just make it harder to re-start whenever it is. Get on with whatever we can.
If I shut my business down until next year then I might as well just end it now.
Whilst our non-essential operations have understandably come to a pause, the compulsory work to renovate the playing surface and repair drainage systems at the Rec has been able to commence.
It became apparent earlier during this season that the existing drainage system had degraded earlier than anticipated, resulting in a playing surface which struggled to meet the demands of the professional game, in particular with the unprecedented wet conditions endured for many months. The drainage system is now being replaced and enhanced to provide the appropriate pitch standards required for the top-flight domestic and European competitions, taking account of the Rec’s unique topography and riverside location.
The work was originally planned to take place during the summer months when no rugby was expected to be played. However, with uncertainty around exact dates of season recommencement, but the potential of a lot of rugby to be played to see out the remainder of the 2019/20 season, it is crucial that this renovation was able to be fit into the current period of inactivity.
So any thoughts on whether rugby will be allowed to continue due to the close contact nature of the sport, prior to the release of a vaccine?
If reliable, rapid tests are available the perhaps they could be undertaken in the preceding 24 hours. however surely players from both sides would need to be quarantined together for that period, plus any admin/ground staff required and refs etc. following the game presumably all the above would need to be continue quarantine in order to be re-tested?
Personally I cant see anything happening for a very long time as I cant imagine the powers that be within the game having the organisational or common sense to be able to put something like that in action.
Leicester Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy has confirmed the players who will leave the club when their contracts end at the conclusion of the 2019/20 season.
The key bit for me is the 'conclusion of the 2019/20 season', which implies that the playing squad will remain in place even if the end of the 19/20 season is after July 1 (the date at which players usually transfer between clubs).
The supposition here is that there may be an agreement between the clubs to retain their existing playing squads until the completion of the season's fixtures. It would certainly resolve such issues as May playing for Gloucester against the Tigers.
Even more of a reason to knock the season on the head as it has turned into a shambles. Sam Hill could be playing against Sale one week and then moving to them in the same season the next.
Wow, football Premier league clubs have to pay back £340m even if they resume the season...wonder what the rugby bill will be? Has to be over £1m a club?
BathMatt53 Wow, football Premier league clubs have to pay back £340m even if they resume the season...wonder what the rugby bill will be? Has to be over £1m a club?
What's that 17 milllion per club, will the clubs get al their prize money I wonder, relegated clubs will get reduced money for the drop perhaps?
As for rugby I suspect a couple might be up on ebay soon!
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Its a loan move though, base your play on a key player like Itoje and then he goes, is that a good idea for them? He is just a Sarrie in a Leicester shirt.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
I don't think that he can be a marquee as he doesn't meet the criteria of either a certain amount of time at the club or from overseas? That is a lot of eggs in one International basket.
OK, its not to our benefit so fine but it seems odd, Itoje and Borthers with weekly input would have been awesome, wouldn't Tigers have been better of signing someone like Nick Isekwe on a 3 year contract?
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
'Twickenham and Wasps' Ricoh Arena - while not ruled out - do not meet all the criteria.
The BBC understands these criteria are:
Safety: a venue that is as bio-secure as possible and has enough space for the extra medical facilities required.
A pitch that can withstand a series of matches in one weekend.
Training facilities in the vicinity.
Room for more than two teams to change and prepare.'
Watched some of a Bundesliga match yesterday, even though it was a league match it had the feel of a pre season friendly. No crowd, no atmosphere and the players didn’t seem fully motivated. Goal celebrations just strange.
Turned it off in the end, not sure it’s worth playing the matches without a crowd.
OutsideBath Watched some of a Bundesliga match yesterday, even though it was a league match it had the feel of a pre season friendly. No crowd, no atmosphere and the players didn’t seem fully motivated. Goal celebrations just strange.
Turned it off in the end, not sure it’s worth playing the matches without a crowd.
It certainly is OB - maybe not for the supporters but the accountants and contract lawyers will be pleased as punch (to the tune of about £1bn in the case of the football premiership).
Sorry, phat fingers. Edited.
[23/24 adoptee: Will Butt]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:05:17:11:59:36 by BathMatt53.
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