RFU reject season extension

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Premier Rugby Limited (PRL), the umbrella organisation for top-flight clubs, last week submitted a proposal for an extra six rounds of Premiership games from next season, on weekends previously allotted for EDF Energy Cup games.

But at their meeting on Wednesday, the RFU's management board unanimously rejected the plan.

The board raised several objections to the proposal, including their view that it would contravene the new long-term agreement between the RFU and PRL which came into effect in July, and fails to address overlaps between the club and international games.

It was feared that an increased league programme would add to top players' workloads - they are frequently rested for cup matches - and make injuries more likely, while giving clubs an extra incentive to import talent from abroad.

The cup, the RFU board concluded, is a crucial springboard for young players struggling to get game time in the Premiership or Heineken Cup, particularly at a time when only four of 14 clubs had achieved targets for English-qualified players in their matchday squads.

Wednesday's meeting focused on the effects of the recession on the RFU and clubs, and it was decided PRL's plan would not deliver substantial increases in revenue. It was also feared the proposal could cause costs to rise.