Rugby Chat

To me having a maximum number of loan/DR players in a matchday squad of say two and having a maximum number of loan/DR players you can field in a season - seven/eight? - would go along way to fix the nonsense we have seen at LS, Ampthill and several other clubs in recent seasons at Championship and NL levels. There would have to be allowances for genuine emergency front-row loans of course.

This would hopefully both encourage Premiership clubs to arrange meaningful second team/academy competitions to develop their own players and also encourage Championship clubs to maintain their identities and give chances to their own younger players.

Of course this would only work if the authorities really wanted a genuine second tier rather than one for Premiership clubs' second teams in all but name which seems to be what the appalling RFU and PRL really want.

Loans across the leagues should be on the basis of development and not return to fitness or match play readiness.
I would like to see 2 loan windows, one for each half of the respective league season where the loaned player will be playing. If a loaned player is injured or recalled no replacement loan is allowed.
On the basis that loaned players are of a standard to make the match day squad, numbers should be restricted to 4 per window at the loaning club, this would give a theoretical 96 players an opportunity to get playing time in the Champ over the season. In reality this would be smaller given that some clubs are unlikely to take loan players and some players may be full season, but still a significant number.
Exceptions allowed for the front row and any player loaned in from a league below or BUCS side.

Perhaps there could be a trading system for unused loan slots?
Perhaps Prem clubs should pay a development fee if they sign any U23 player who has been at a lower club for 2 years or more?

The current arrangements have to change, Champ clubs should be looking to develop their own players.