The Rugby Football Union’s decision this week to in effect ringfence the Premiership is disappointing to those fans who value a bit of jeopardy in their sport. By denying Ealing and Doncaster access to the top tier because they cannot hold the requisite 10,000 fans in their stadiums, the game’s governing body has sealed shut the trap door on the floor, creating a scenario where stodgy teams could drift on a breeze of mediocrity.
Like the fortuitous bounce of an oval ball, the fixture list has served up a contest that will distract dissenters for the weekend at least. Leicester Tigers, sitting imperiously at the top of the table with 15 wins from 17 games, travel south to play Saracens, 16 points behind but with a game in hand. Two dynasties with a combined 15 titles between them have forged their success on powerful packs, a strong maul game and well-drilled set pieces and are the standout sides this campaign.
