The much-awaited recommendations from IMG have been released and there is to be a follow-up meeting with the clubs next month.
The Reimagining Rugby League Consultation Project is a key part of the first phase of the agency’s 12-year strategic partnership with the sport agreed in the spring.
The recommendations have been made following extensive consultation with key stakeholders across Rugby League, including clubs, broadcasters, sponsors, media, players, representatives from the community game and international partners, as well as a survey of supporters attracting almost 20,000 responses.
It is the most comprehensive piece of consultation ever undertaken on the sport and IMG’s recommendations have the overriding aim of driving the long-term value and impact of the sport.
In summary the recommendations are:
- A repositioned calendar which optimises flow, narrative and engagement, incorporating regular ‘peaks’ of interest and a compelling season climax.
- A calendar aligned with the global game to facilitate an international window in October and incorporate a mid-season international.
- Participation in the top tier to be based on a range of on and off field measures, delivered through a club grading system with the aim of supporting financial sustainability and encouraging investment into clubs. ‘Category A’ clubs will be guaranteed participation in the top tier whilst ‘Category B’ clubs will be re-assessed annually with the highest-ranking clubs occupying the remaining slots in the top tier.
Promotion and relegation will continue on the field of play between the second and third tiers with tier two increasingly filled with strong Category B Clubs.
- An expansion strategy to be developed that targets and supports the growth of the Women’s and Girls’ game, and also growth in new markets.
- Participation of clubs outside of the UK to be capped and with additional standards to support domestic growth.
- Operations to be centralised where this can maximise efficiencies and drive incremental revenue (e.g. ticketing and digital infrastructure).
- A new brand strategy to be introduced and aligned with the above commercial strategy.
Clubs have been invited to a follow-up meeting on October 13, at which they will have the opportunity to provide further feedback, and support will be sought to enable the Rugby League executive and IMG to work on the detail of the recommendations.
