The EFDR board is amazed that the RFU has once again changed its position on the promotion/relegation issue to one completely at odds with the proposals in their own Taskforce report (The Rob Andrew Plan).

Prior to the Popplewell facilitation meeting the only issue up for discussion was promotion/relegation and the funding criteria that accompany it. EFDR is exasperated that the RFU has now introduced six new issues to the ongoing debate including the structure of the commission, commercial activity, player contracts, financing, academies and the season structure.

EFDR believes that today’s proposals are not only postponing the debate on promotion/relegation for a further two years, but are also suggesting the EFDR sign up to a Review board in which they will have little or no chance of altering the proposed status quo. After all, what was the Rob Andrew Plan all about? What is it if not a review concerning promotion/relegation?

EFDR also believes that the ‘full backing’ of the RFU Council for these new proposals is in total opposition to existing legal arrangements contained in the Leicester Agreement. This year, unless a court decides otherwise (and no challenge has yet been issued) access to the First Division will be via a two-legged play-off.

Finally, EFDR is dismayed that these new proposals contain no mention of the current outstanding funding owed to the clubs by the RFU. Some EFDR clubs now have serious cash-flow problems having already budgeted for this promised money.

For Further Information Please Contact:

Anthony Kayne
Cohn & Wolfe
Tel: 0207 3315300
e-mail: anthony_kayne@uk.cohnwolfe.com