Wednesday is crunch day in Rugby League with IMG’s plans for reimagining the game being put to the member clubs at a council meeting.
Cumbria’s three pro clubs – Barrow and Whitehaven from the Championship, and Workington in League One will be represented to hear what’s in store from 2024.
Much of what IMG have come up with will focus on the structure of the Leagues from 2024 and that in itself has created much debate.
There is lots of speculation that they will be looking for two Leagues of 10 clubs each at the top of the game, but it’s what happens below those that will affect the remaining 17 clubs that is causing greater concern.
Will there be no promotion or relegation; is there likely to be a franchise system introduced and could IMG even decide to alter the rules in an attempt to make the game more appealing to a wider audience.
There’s even a suggestion that they may be looking at a hybrid game, very much like cricket’s Hundred format to appeal more across the country.
In effect they have been given a free role to do exactly what they think will make the game more popular – so really fans should be prepared for anything.
However the clubs will vote on the proposals at Wednesday’s council meeting and then they are likely to be made public.
A new television contract has to be agreed from the 2024 season so the new partnership between the RFL and IMG will be desperate to have their vision accepted as soon as possible.
