Exeter Chiefs chief executive Tony Rowe has criticised Premiership Rugby’s proposed move to stage semi-finals at neutral venues. The plan would replace the current system in which the top two regular-season teams host the play-off semi-finals.
From the 2029-30 season, league organisers hope to hold both semi-finals on consecutive days in one city, with the aim of building a bigger event around the matches. Rowe’s concern is that rugby crowds may not yet be strong enough to make that model work, especially if supporters are asked to travel to a city with no direct club connection.
The issue is not only about atmosphere. Home semi-finals are currently a reward for finishing first or second, and the source notes estimated club revenue from hosting a play-off can be substantial, though those figures should be treated as estimates. Removing that advantage could change how clubs and fans view the closing stages of the regular season.
Exeter’s view is shaped by recent history: the club have played seven Premiership semi-finals and hosted six of them, before winning away at Bath last month to reach Twickenham from third place. For editors, the bigger question is whether Premiership Rugby can create a showcase weekend without weakening the sporting and financial incentives that currently come with a top-two finish.
Discussion
Sign in to join the discussion.
Sign in / Register