Morgan demands clarity over Championship

JERSEY chairman Mark Morgan says the RFU’s attitude to the Championship will dictate whether his club can attempt to bring Premiership rugby to the Channel Islands.

Now enjoying a fifth season in Tier Two since completing a meteoric fivelevel rise from the lower leagues in 2012, Jersey’s ability to go higher is dependent on investment in stadium infrastructure to meet top-flight criteria.

However, Morgan insists that will remain a pipe dream unless the RFU commit fully to making the Championship a wholly professional league.

Morgan said: “Promotion is not beyond the imagination but you’re talking about a completely different level of funding being required because the gulf between the Premiership clubs and what we’re receiving is massive.

“The level needed to compete in Premiership rugby is way beyond our current capacity and you need major investors with longterm vision. We’re not at that point and need clarity over the Championship.

“We talk about what Exeter have done, but what we must do here first is prove over three or four years that we can compete at play-off level in this league and achieve consistent success – at that point you can speak to investors.

“We also need the RFU to stand up and say they want to work with the Championship clubs and figure out what our raison d’etre is.

“I’m encouraged by what’s been coming out of the RFU from Nigel Melville and Ian Ritchie and there’s recognition that the Championship has been neglected. Now they have to be clear in what is expected of all 12 clubs.”

Jersey attract crowds of 2,000 and have produced top players like Bath winger Matt Banahan and Exeter prop Harry Williams.

Morgan added: “We pride ourselves on what we’ve achieved, but we need help from the RFU in agreeing minimum standards on the make-up of squads, EQP levels, age constraints, standard contracts and levels of player welfare.

“Once that’s agreed you can figure out the costs and begin negotiations with the RFU.”