They are calling it the “Big Match Bonanza” – or, if one since-deleted graphic publicised across the Gallagher Prem’s social media channels is to be believed, a “bonanaza”. The big selling or poor spelling might be enough to turn away a few, but one should not underestimate the significance of this weekend for the top flight of English rugby as the Prem takes over three large sporting venues in the name of growing its footprint at a time of radical change.
Fixtures at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Birmingham’s Villa Park and London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have long been in the diary, but the timing is made all the more apposite given recent developments. This week, Prem Rugby executives delivered the detail to sit underneath the headline news of the removal of promotion and relegation and adoption of an expansion, franchise-style model – effectively separating the top flight from the rest of the English rugby pyramid.
