Barwick calls on clubs to work together

CLUBS have been asked to work together to find a “whole sport solution” to the game’s problems, writes Dave Craven.
..
.

All have been sent a document outlining 13 core principles of the Policy Review which was enacted by the Rugby Football League to look at ways of improving rugby league.

While the major talking point has been the well-publicised proposed league structure ahead of 2015, which will be voted on at an extraordinary general meeting a week on Wednesday, there are other major moves being planned.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In papers seen by the Yorkshire Post, RFL chairman Brian Barwick outlines the need for unity between all levels from Super League and Championship to the community game in order for it to overcome issues restricting its development.

Listing 13 core principles, the review says rugby league’s income must be “strategic” and targeted to ensure both the sustainability of member and community clubs, and growth in the number and quality of players.

Furthermore, regarding the governing body coming to the aid of financially-struggling clubs such as the Crusaders, Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, it says “the RFL should be freed up to improve the commercial and operational performance of the sport, and not micro-manage the performance of an individual club.”

Effectively, there will be more emphasis on clubs managing their own affairs correctly without such a safety net to fall on, while Super League licensing, as such, will be disbanded with “on-field meritocracy” instead being key as clubs are rewarded mainly by their playing performance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The review also says the league restructure must ensure a “commercially compelling” offering for fans and sponsors.

In creating a “bigger and better sport”, Barwick says: “Of course it is challenging to get everybody to agree on everything, impossible maybe, and yet it is a prize worth winning.

“It gives the sport a clear and exciting way forward – a front-foot approach to spreading the word, to participants, to supporters, to viewers, to the media, and to the broadcasting and commercial world.

“We have a fantastic opportunity to market and mould the sport in the next 15 months or so before we get underway for real in 2015.”