Rugby

Super League could ditch automatic relegation as part of IMG review (SportsPro Insider) Promotion and relegation from Super League, the England-based elite club rugby league competition could come under review as a part of new proposals set out by IMG.

Saracens CEO says rugby clubs have prioritised on-field investment over long-term planning (SportsPro Insider)

• Wasps and Worcester are in administration
• Wray confident Saracens can grow audience by appealing to Gen Z

Saracens chief executive Lucy Wray says the financial crisis in Premiership Rugby can partly be explained by the fact many clubs have prioritised investments in performance over their business operations.
Two English top-flight sides, Wasps and Worcester, are currently mired in financial crisis with both in administration and the latter suspended from all competitions by the Rugby Football Union (RFU). Meanwhile, other clubs believe the game needs to generate more revenue to be sustainable.

Worcester Warriors suspended as Premiership club enters administration (SportsPro Insider) Premiership Rugby outfit Worcester Warriors have been suspended from all competitions with immediate effect and placed into administration.
The club’s darkest day is also accompanied by the prospect of automatic relegation due to administration. Under Rugby Football Union (RFU) rules, a club that enters administration can expect to be demoted.

South Africa Rugby secures six-year Nike partnership (SportsPro Insider) South Africa Rugby Union (SARU), the game’s national governing body, has signed a six-year partnership with Nike that will see the US sportswear giant become the new kit supplier of all Springboks teams.

WRU and Vodafone ink women’s rugby and Principality Stadium 5G deal (SportsPro Insider)

• WRU wants to reach 10,000 female players by 2026
• Vodafone adds to rugby partnerships with IRFU, British and Irish Lions, and Wasps

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has agreed a multi-year partnership with Vodafone that will see the mobile operator become the lead partner of the national women’s team and upgrade connectivity at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.