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Saturday and Sunday ought to in principle introduce a brave new world. The former second-tier league, English club rugby's secondary division, has transformed into "the Champ" and, at first glance, the brochure appears bright. A newly named competition, Worcester returning, a broadcast ally in the digital partner, skilled athletes ready to compete. Additionally for the title holders, insist the organisers, the ultimate prize of advancement to the Prem.

Possible Disintegration Prior to Crucial Meeting

Just try to embrace this optimistic outlook temporarily, notably in the positive aftermath of a impressive international competition. As, unfortunately, it could potentially of fading, ahead of the rugby authorities met on Friday to discuss the Prem clubs' drive of a franchise-based model that would limit relegation for the top sides.

More information are being examined by representatives with a full vote not anticipated for another four months. The Tier 2 chair, chair of Tier 2 Rugby, is also firm that the situation are more complex as some Prem hawks are asserting: "The stance of the Champ board remains the same. The lifeblood of athletics is ambition and jeopardy and we must have a system that rewards victories and sanctions losses."

Advancement Criteria Could Move Another Time

What all truly desires to learn, however, is whether the promotion goalposts will yet again be altered midway through? On that front, Gillham has not been able to be wholly definitive. "The ideal outcome is that officials decide demotion is removed in the top division and therefore the champion of this season’s post-season is promoted," he explains. "The worst-case scenario is we haven’t managed to get to an agreement and the existing rules stays in place, namely a playoff between the lowest Prem side and the leading team in the league."

Interesting. It's widely understood that the top division would aim to expand to at least more sides and the comeback of a resurrected Worcester, with their venue and fanbase, would mesh well into that vision. But down the line? The chair states that, in the new order, including traditional teams will have to smarten up their act quickly or face the chance of competitors taking over from them. "We have a number of organizations who are will need to enhance their grounds in order to remain in the Champ," he cautions. "It may be certain teams think they don’t want to commit funds. They might withdraw."

Instability Plagues Leaders and Players

This situation causes the bulk of second-tier leaders and players eyeing further agreement-related and financial uncertainty. Look at one club's an experienced figure, who has witnessed a lot of beginnings throughout his long tenure leading at his club's home. "We’ve almost got to the point where it seems there is security and abruptly it's possible of the drawbridge shutting again," says the former Wales international. "That's been the situation at the Championship for 15 or 20 years."

At Coventry recently they have been bemoaning the departure of a potential overseas supporter who pulled out due to the uncertainty about potential entry to the top division. Hear from the former chair, the former England centre a critic, who continues to be frustrated at the approach the participants have collectively been handled and at the idea of preferred aspiring elite clubs being hand-picked: "The top division's and the governing body's plan is select a specific group of teams to fit their financial goals. In case the future seasons are chaotic [for the Champ] they won’t really care."

Financial Disparity Between Competitions

To which, certain Prem owners will say the economic disparity between the two leagues has grown so wide that transformation has become inevitable. This is an simpler case to advance in the aftermath of Newcastle’s quick partnership with the corporate giant the energy drink company – but not at a different club who have an just as determined investor and yet are still, unfortunately, excluded. Topping the most recent rankings and been assured they were at last in the promotion frame, it is reported they were afterwards "jilted at the altar" over fears the other club would fold if they were dropped.

Others openly ask about the credibility of the supposedly binding contract involving the Rugby Football Union and the Prem being changed so soon. Elsewhere, an ex-international a dissenting voice, currently his club's leader, is still adamantly opposed to a franchise model. "The background of sport in the continent and the United Kingdom is about risk and reward," he states. "It's what you’re playing for. Hence we have the greatest followers in the world. Additionally puts bums on seats and generates excitement. Look at their model who have the top club model in the industry. Yes, there are differences financially and TV income but it succeeds. Fans embrace it."

Relegation Doesn't Lead to Failure

It is a parallel tale at another club where their {impress