It’s been on the cards for a while, but London Welsh’s relegation from the Premiership was confirmed following their 31-14 defeat to the Northampton Saints at the Kassam Stadium yesterday.
(They could survive if the Championship winner is not deemed to be fit to take their place in the Premiership – it would be hugely ironic if Welsh were to stay up that way following last season’s off-the-field battles – but Newcastle are the clear favourites to make an instant return.)
The Exiles have done well – performed bravely, the ultimate unwanted sports compliment – this season, considering they had to wait until the summer before their promotion was finally confirmed, considering the unequal financial playing field in the Premiership, considering they were docked five points for an official’s indiscretion.
Indeed, a positive start to the season, in which they racked up 19 points from their first 10 games – more than enough to avoid the drop – gave their fans hope they would follow the example of the Exeter Chiefs and stay up against all expectations.
But Welsh haven’t won since December, picking up only four losing bonus points since. Two of those – away at Gloucester, and the only match I was able to get to, at home to Sale – should really have been wins, but a lack of experience of top-flight rugby told in the end.
London Welsh have used the Kassam Stadium in Oxford this season
In the last few days, London Welsh’s CEO Tony Copsey has both stepped aside and key financial backer Kelvin Bryon has announced he won’t continue to fund the club, hitting out at the RFU and Premier Rugby for not providing equal funding for promoted teams. It has become unviable for them to continue to play at the Kassam Stadium, and the club will decide whether to play their games in Oxford or move back to Old Deer Park in Richmond next season.
It’s been quite a ball for London Welsh this season, and they have defied expectations to be as competitive as they have. But, surely, the RFU has to be prepared to support smaller clubs rather than give them much less generous handouts if the game is ever to be truly evolve.
An Early Bath 