Even a current England player has called the RFU's Championship budget cut 'pure garbage'

The Rugby Football Union have faced an almighty backlash after announcing on Wednesday it will be slashing its Championship funding by almost half from next season.

Championship clubs were quick to react, releasing statements that were ultra-critical of the RFU’s decision, and many fans also waged in sharing similar sentiments. 

Current and former players - including Will Stuart, a current member of Eddie Jones' England squad - were also quite vocal with their disapproval. Many felt it will all but end any side’s hopes of breaking into rugby’s top flight, and that this may actually be the beginning of the Gallagher Premiership becoming ring-fenced.

Former Saracens and USA star Chris Wyles commented on Twitter, saying this is a “terrible move”. The winger won four Premiership titles with Saracens and two Champions Cups, but cited how important his time with Nottingham was earlier in his career, saying it was “crucial in my development- not only as a player but more importantly as a person”. 

Similarly, current England squad member Stuart, who made his Test debut at the start of this month in Paris, tweeted: “The Wild West is getting even wilder. I can’t stress how important my time at @NottinghamRugby was for me. This is pure garbage for lads who put their bodies on the line for already laughable levels of player welfare.”

Fellow Bath prop Christian Judge, who played for Bedford Blues and Cornish Pirates, added: “There are some amazing players and clubs in the Championship, and without it many like myself wouldn’t have had the opportunity to make it to the Premiership.”

These are not the only players to chastise the RFU over this decision, as so many have come through the Championship. In fact, many stats have been shared showing how many of the England team that beat Scotland last weekend have come through or played for Championship clubs, as well as many in the Scotland team as well. 

Current Championship players have also given their opinion on social media, with Doncaster Rovers hooker George Edgson saying, “Unless you’ve played or worked in the Champ, you won’t have a scooby how detrimental this will be.”

The future will only tell what the impact of this decision will be, but it has not been accepted from those that have benefited from the Championship, which is a significant number of players across the Premiership. 

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