There were tears at the final whistle at Stade de la Rabine last weekend, and for good reason. RC Vannes made history with their 30-20 win against Lyon, marking their inaugural match in the French Top 14. Rugby has never been a major sport in Brittany, but the local fans are quickly becoming passionate supporters of the game.
The stadium was packed with 11,792 fans, and the home team in blue—now even featuring Mako Vunipola—showed they were more than just participants in the top division. This is no surprise, as the Pro D2, France’s second-tier league, continues to improve in quality and competitiveness, thanks in part to a lucrative broadcasting deal with Canal+ that will bring €10.7m annually to Pro D2 clubs starting in 2027. While this is only about a tenth of what Top 14 teams receive, it’s enough to foster a vibrant league where teams can aspire to rise to the elite level. Many will be looking at Vannes and thinking, “That could be us.”
Across the Channel in England, the atmosphere is markedly different. Newcastle, who finished last in the Premiership for two consecutive seasons, drew just 5,116 fans for their opening match against Bristol Bears, which they lost 24-3. In fact, Manchester City’s match against Arsenal attracted more fans—52,846—than all five Premiership rugby games combined. Even a League Two match between Notts County and Gillingham drew a larger crowd than last season’s Premiership final replay between Bath and Northampton.
There’s hope that the Falcons and their fans will soon see improvement, but there are lingering questions about whether a promotion playoff will be a viable option this season. Clubs in the English Championship are still waiting for crucial details about future funding that were supposed to be resolved before the season began.
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This summer brought slight changes, with a minimum stadium capacity of 5,000 now acceptable, provided clubs have plans to increase that to 7,500 by their second year and 10,001 by the fourth. However, the facilities audit required for eligibility won’t be completed until January, and even if clubs pass this, the funding disparities between leagues make it difficult for them to emulate Vannes.
Championship clubs want a clear resolution, for everyone’s benefit. There is evidence from American and Australian sports that promotion and relegation aren’t essential for a healthy league, provided other systems like a salary cap and player drafts are in place. However, the British sports tradition of promotion and relegation remains strong. Newcastle’s director of rugby, Steve Diamond, expressed this sentiment, emphasizing that the excitement of promotion and relegation is vital for motivation in the league.
The current situation is exacerbated by the fact that the Premiership now has only 10 teams. If eight qualify for Europe—and no one realistically faces relegation due to loopholes—where does that leave the competitive spirit that every league needs? The Rugby Football Union is still exploring options to revive Worcester and Wasps, but significant logistical challenges remain.
A comprehensive solution is urgently needed. The RFU cannot disregard clubs like Coventry, Ealing Trailfinders, and Doncaster Knights, which would be competitive if a promotion-relegation playoff were introduced. If the RFU champions the idea of a playoff but fails to implement it due to bureaucracy and financial complications, it would likely face backlash. Simon Halliday, a former England center representing Ealing, stated, “A playoff has to happen or it’s a joke.”
Furthermore, Championship clubs have voted to allow a maximum of six Premiership loanees on their rosters. This is crucial for young players who need game time if they’re not in the first team. The hefty parachute payments for relegated teams, which ensure quick returns to the Premiership, may also be nearing their end.
Ultimately, there is a pressing need to clarify how English rugby envisions its future in the next 10 to 20 years. Meanwhile, Vannes is set to face Toulon this Saturday, proudly flying the flag for rugby dreamers everywhere.
