Premiership Rugby has decisively dismissed proposals to raise the minimum stadium capacity requirement to 15,000, a change that would have rendered five current Premiership clubs ineligible, including reigning champions Bath Rugby.
A Deloitte-commissioned study explored ways to enhance stadium standards in England’s top-flight rugby competition by increasing the existing 10,001 capacity minimum to 15,000. This higher threshold would have excluded Bath—despite their approved plans to expand to 18,000 seats—as well as London clubs Saracens and Harlequins, and northern teams Sale Sharks and Newcastle Falcons. Notably, every club in the second-tier Championship also falls short of this benchmark.
Had the proposal passed, half of the Premiership’s 10 clubs would have become instantly ineligible to compete—a prospect insiders described as “hilarious” and overly ambitious. Premiership Rugby and its stakeholders collectively rejected the idea, viewing it as an excessive step that does not align with the ambitions or current realities of the clubs.
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This development occurs as broader discussions, known internally as Project Forge, are underway to shape the future of domestic rugby within England’s top two tiers. Proposals under consideration include ringfencing and franchising, with an RFU Council meeting scheduled later this month to vote on the potential reforms.
The push for franchising has intensified amid financial struggles; Exeter Chiefs recently reported losses exceeding £10 million, while Sale Sharks posted deficits in the high seven figures. Parliamentary figures have called for thorough scrutiny of these plans, especially as unpaid Covid-19 support loans involving public funds remain outstanding across the league.
The recent acquisition of Newcastle Falcons by energy drinks powerhouse Red Bull signals a shift towards increased commercial ownership in Premiership Rugby. Reports suggest that prominent football club owners such as Liverpool’s Fenway Sports Group and Manchester United’s Glazer family have also expressed interest in exploring franchising to enhance profitability.
Project Forge is expected to present a range of proposals, with major involvement from Deloitte and US investment bank the Raine Group, aiming to redefine the structure and sustainability of rugby’s elite domestic competition.