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Rugby Union: A European Re-Construction

When a trend emerges it’s often a good idea to jump on the back of it and carefully go with the flow.

The big games in European rugby are getting big crowds. Some club stadiums are not big enough to cope with the demand. Using Soccer stadiums is now becoming a viable and profitable option.

My 5-year European rugby plan is this.

1) Create two European leagues based on previous playing performance. With teams from the UK and Europe. League A & B. (Sponsored)
2) Teams will play each other on a home and away basis.
3) Promotion and relegation will exist, two up, two down. Bottom team in League 2 gets replaced.
4) Each participating club must run an under 20s team and this team will play the same opponents as the senior team, on the same day, 12 noon K.O, on the same ground or one nearby (Possibly a local junior club) if the weather conditions are bad.

A new Championship league will be formed and consist of current championship teams, (England) as well as teams from the rest of UK and Europe. Each of these clubs must be attached and supported by a club in one of the 2 major league competitions. These Championship clubs will provide a direct pathway to the senior squads and will also provide a playing opportunity for those not getting selected on a regular basis.

Talented players will have a pathway to the teams in the top 2 leagues via both the U 20s as well as the Championship teams.

Teams who play in the top two leagues must prove they are financially capable of supporting such a structure or access to the European leagues will be denied.

All games played below Championship level at Junior level, must remain non-professional, which means no payment for playing.

The above is a broad outline, but it re-boots, re-energise and provides an outcome from which all clubs can benefit. Over-coaching at a young age can destroy a player’s enthusiasm for playing the game. Let players demonstrate their talent in game orientated training and coaching sessions up to the age of 16.

“The growth of money coming into top line sport from both rich benefactors and super rich nations will continue to grow and rugby needs to lead not follow and avoid some of the mistakes it made when the sport turned professional”.


About Mike Penistone

Mike has coached at all levels of the game, from under-7's through to elite international players at the highest level, in both the northern and southern hemispheres. A few notable positions include serving as Head Coach for Great Britain Students (Rugby League), Head Coach at Nottingham RUFC and Head of Elite Player Development at Leicester Tigers Academy. Mike also served as the U21's Coach at the NSW Warratahs and Director of Coaching at Eastern Suburbs Sydney. He continues to coach across the globe running his consultancy. Check out his website: here. View all posts by Mike Penistone

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