Premiership Rugby is considering a notable overhaul to it’s season-opening schedule to boost broadcast figures and overall financial health. The league is exploring options such as Thursday evening and weekend slots to capture a broader audience.

The move is inspired by the Premier League’s success with “Monday Night Football,” which has significantly increased its broadcasting revenue. rugby authorities believe a similar approach could benefit their sport.

Though, the physical demands of rugby pose a challenge. Players require adequate rest, necessitating “smart scheduling” to balance game frequency and player welfare.

Existing regulations may further complicate scheduling. For instance, “any Thursday fixture is unlikely to be played at the StoneX Stadium or Sandy Park, given Saracens and Exeter do not have licensing for games to be staged on Friday nights.”

Clubs can request to avoid certain dates when the fixture scheduling is worked out, such as clashes with local marathons or football fixtures.

Leicester tigers’ Coaching Search and Player Recruitment

Leicester Tigers are actively searching for a new head coach, with Kiwi Leon MacDonald emerging as a frontrunner. Club representatives reportedly met with MacDonald in Australia recently.

Despite the coaching vacancy, player recruitment continues.Flanker Joaquin Moro is reportedly set to join the team. The 24-year-old Argentine made his international debut last year and currently plays for Pampas XV in Super Rugby Americas.

Moro’s arrival will help maintain squad depth, as Tigers back-row Kyle Hatherell is expected to join Ealing Trailfinders.

Welsh rugby Faces Attendance Challenges

The annual Judgement Day fixture for Welsh rugby is facing an uncertain future due to declining attendance figures. The event, which features the country’s four regions playing each other, has been held at the Principality Stadium since 2013, except for last year’s games at the Cardiff City ground.

Attendance peaked in 2018 with 62,338 spectators,but “last weekend just 28,328 tickets were sold.”

The long-term contract to host the games in Cardiff is up for renewal, and some regions are considering bringing the fixtures back to their home stadiums.

Andy Farrell’s Exeter Visit

Lions coach Andy Farrell was spotted at Sandy Park watching Bath defeat Exeter. The visit may have served a dual purpose, as Farrell is reportedly a fan of the local coastline.

According to Devon Live, Farrell, who will name his squad next month, “is a fan of the local coastline and has often been spotted around the nearby holiday towns. Gareth Southgate and Louis Theroux have also reportedly visited the local pubs.”

Joe Marler Joins Celebrity Traitors

former England prop Joe Marler is set to appear on the new season of Celebrity Traitors. He will join other celebrities such as Stephen Fry and Tom Daley.

Marler, a long-time fan of the show, even playfully denied his involvement when the news initially surfaced.