Since I wrote my earlier piece comes news that London Irish have been suspended by the RFU for the 2023-24 season.
That makes three Gallagher Premiership sides to drop out in one season.
The news from Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers is scarcely more encouraging. Both have received financial backing from their owners to help stave off insolvency.
We should bear in mind that the CEO of the Gallagher Premiership is Simon Massie-Taylor, who was invited to join the panel that discussed and published its 10-year strategy for the Allianz Premier 15s League. It was he who looked forward to more of the GP clubs joining the women’s league. He had his way with Leicester Tigers, but his management of his own championship looks less than sure-footed.
The recent crises have annoyed clubs in the Championship even more. One of them, Ealing Trailfinders, who have twice had their application to join the GP turned down, are the other club to find favour for next year’s AP 15s.
It remains to be seen what effect these financial straits may have on the women’s teams. Will the head coaches be able to sign on all the players they want and need?
