A growing number of Super League clubs are starting to feel that the emperor has no clothes, as they question the substance behind the Rugby Football League’s (RFL) grand plan for expansion. The proposal to grow to 14 teams, once presented as a bold new vision, is now being exposed by clubs as a bare-bones idea with no visible means of financial support.
The “emperor’s clothes” in this analogy is the detailed business plan that should accompany any major strategic initiative. Clubs have repeatedly asked to see this crucial garment, but they claim it has never been produced. They were asked to admire the emperor’s new plan in a July vote, but are now saying that they can see no evidence of a coherent financial strategy.
This has led to an embarrassing situation for the RFL. Its claims of an “overwhelmingly” popular plan are being undermined by the simple, childlike question from the clubs: “But how will you pay for it?” With broadcaster Sky Sports not footing the bill, the RFL has been unable to provide a satisfactory answer, leaving its grand plan looking naked and vulnerable.
The rushed timeline and lack of transparency are seen as attempts to hurry the emperor through the crowds before too many people notice he is not wearing a business plan. However, the dissenting clubs have refused to play along with the pretence, and are now loudly pointing out the flaws in the proposal for all to see.
This has left the RFL in a deeply awkward position. It must now either produce the financial finery that the clubs are demanding or admit that its plan is not as fully formed as it was made out to be. The longer it fails to do so, the more clubs will join the chorus saying that the expansion emperor has no clothes.
