Brian Barwick: RFL chairman eyes stable Super League : Thu Aug 22, 2013 5:38 pm  

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/23782002 Brian Barwick: RFL chairman eyes stable Super League Rugby Football League chairman Brian Barwick hopes the sport's proposed restructuring will be long lasting. Super League is set to be reduced from 14 teams to 12 from the 2015 season. He told BBC London: "The Super League clubs have really embraced the desire to not change for change's sake but to change to give the game a future. "If we're to change the structure then let's change it for all the right reasons and then let's settle down and watch the sport for years to come." Following a "a robust and frank debate" at their annual general meeting in Bradford in July, Super League clubs agreed to changes in the competition at the end of next season. The clubs have asked the governing body to look at two options. One involves a 12-team Super League running alongside a 12-team Championship that would split after 23 rounds into three groups of eight; the other is for two divisions of 12 with promotion and relegation. The RFL has yet to announce any definitive outcome and Barwick admits that discussions are "ongoing". "I think the sport should have great pride in the fact it is an innovative sport," he said. "My position is I will support the change. "I will support the executive, making sure that there is a positive change and equally I think that's the last change for a while." Barwick, who has previously served as chief executive at the Football Association and held senior posts at the BBC and ITV, was appointed as RFL chairman in January. He says he is determined to help the sport progress during his tenure. "I really decided from the off that I was going to give this a real go," Barwick said. "I want to be the chairman of the RFL for a fair old time and I can help. "I genuinely can help just because of the things I've done in my own past, mistakes I've made and successes I've had. "I think people see me for what I am trying to be - which is not an expert but a guy who has got a lot of experience at the front line of some organisations across sport and media. "Those are transferable skills and hopefully, in due course, will be very successful in helping the sport to go forwards." Barwick is wary the RFL needs to increase their commercial income, grow its fanbase and improve coverage of the sport in the media. "Off the pitch the sport needs to continue to work hard in commercial areas, we need to look after the supporters who come and find some more," he said. "It's in a decent shape but like every sport, it could do with more money, more supporters and more exposure. That is not different to any sport I have been around. "Those are the key issues and they are all potentially doable."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/23782002 Brian Barwick: RFL chairman eyes stable Super League Rugby Football League chairman Brian Barwick hopes the sport's proposed restructuring will be long lasting. Super League is set to be reduced from 14 teams to 12 from the 2015 season. He told BBC London: "The Super League clubs have really embraced the desire to not change for change's sake but to change to give the game a future. "If we're to change the structure then let's change it for all the right reasons and then let's settle down and watch the sport for years to come." Following a "a robust and frank debate" at their annual general meeting in Bradford in July, Super League clubs agreed to changes in the competition at the end of next season. The clubs have asked the governing body to look at two options. One involves a 12-team Super League running alongside a 12-team Championship that would split after 23 rounds into three groups of eight; the other is for two divisions of 12 with promotion and relegation. The RFL has yet to announce any definitive outcome and Barwick admits that discussions are "ongoing". "I think the sport should have great pride in the fact it is an innovative sport," he said. "My position is I will support the change. "I will support the executive, making sure that there is a positive change and equally I think that's the last change for a while." Barwick, who has previously served as chief executive at the Football Association and held senior posts at the BBC and ITV, was appointed as RFL chairman in January. He says he is determined to help the sport progress during his tenure. "I really decided from the off that I was going to give this a real go," Barwick said. "I want to be the chairman of the RFL for a fair old time and I can help. "I genuinely can help just because of the things I've done in my own past, mistakes I've made and successes I've had. "I think people see me for what I am trying to be - which is not an expert but a guy who has got a lot of experience at the front line of some organisations across sport and media. "Those are transferable skills and hopefully, in due course, will be very successful in helping the sport to go forwards." Barwick is wary the RFL needs to increase their commercial income, grow its fanbase and improve coverage of the sport in the media. "Off the pitch the sport needs to continue to work hard in commercial areas, we need to look after the supporters who come and find some more," he said. "It's in a decent shape but like every sport, it could do with more money, more supporters and more exposure. That is not different to any sport I have been around. "Those are the key issues and they are all potentially doable."

Re: Brian Barwick: RFL chairman eyes stable Super League : Thu Aug 22, 2013 8:02 pm  

Brian sounds like a grounded guy. He will need to be judged on his action and their results but you feel confident that he will have a positive impact on our sport.

Re: Brian Barwick: RFL chairman eyes stable Super League : Thu Aug 22, 2013 8:27 pm  

They need to bring back our USP, the shoulder charge is part of our game, bring it back. Protect the head but don't break the sport.

Re: Brian Barwick: RFL chairman eyes stable Super League : Thu Aug 22, 2013 9:51 pm  

I still find it hard to believe that we accepted no money over a good offer from Betfred for Super League sponsorship, he must shake his head in disbelief. It caused unbelievable problems that just shouldn't exist in a sport so popular on Sky.

Re: Brian Barwick: RFL chairman eyes stable Super League : Thu Aug 22, 2013 10:11 pm  

I read somewhere that the viewing figures are pretty impressive, as in the the most watched domestic league barr footy. Unsure if it is true or not. I think we need to renegotiate the sky deal asap or when its next up. Also we could take a better deal even if its away from sky,however that is a risk in itself remember ITV digital and setanta (sp) sports. I personally would stick with sky as its a safe bet but money wise we need a heavy investment. I guess the viewing figures would determine the deal.

Re: Brian Barwick: RFL chairman eyes stable Super League : Thu Aug 22, 2013 11:56 pm  

theblondebomber wrote:

I read somewhere that the viewing figures are pretty impressive, as in the the most watched domestic league barr footy. Unsure if it is true or not. I think we need to renegotiate the sky deal asap or when its next up. Also we could take a better deal even if its away from sky,however that is a risk in itself remember ITV digital and setanta (sp) sports. I personally would stick with sky as its a safe bet but money wise we need a heavy investment. I guess the viewing figures would determine the deal.

The next round of tv negotiations will be absolutely crucial. The presence of BT sport could put the RFL in the best negotiating position they've been in for living memory.

I can't remember the exact figures, but BT recently signed the RU premiership for approx £40m per season. The current sky deal for SL is something like £50m over three seasons, despite SL consistently outperforming domestic RU in TV ratings. Clearly SL has been grossly undervalued. We should be looking to double our TV income next time round (2015), and if we can spark a bidding contest between BT and Sky we might just be able to.

Re: Brian Barwick: RFL chairman eyes stable Super League : Fri Aug 23, 2013 6:27 am  

If SKY lost RL, it's going to hit their advertising budget.

Footy, RU and RL off sky. Leave sky with half of the footy fixtures and cricket.

Not sure how many buy Sky Sports for RL alone, but I do and cancel it every October.

Re: Brian Barwick: RFL chairman eyes stable Super League : Fri Aug 23, 2013 7:17 am  

Dux wrote:

I can't remember the exact figures, but BT recently signed the RU premiership for approx £40m per season. The current sky deal for SL is something like £50m over three seasons, despite SL consistently outperforming domestic RU in TV ratings. Clearly SL has been grossly undervalued. We should be looking to double our TV income next time round (2015), and if we can spark a bidding contest between BT and Sky we might just be able to.

The reason they pay so much for RU could be something to do with the perceived audience that the sport brings, so sponsorship is more lucrative maybe? So viewing figures may not hold as much weight as you think?

I'm assuming above btw.

When does the TV deal run out? Is it 2015? If so, that puts us in a good position with the new restructuring. We need to negotiate well and BT Sport's presence will put us in a good position. Hopefully Barwick is a strong negotiator.

It would be great if they got the challenge cup (along win the BBC of course), but I don't think that would be attractive to them as a broadcaster. It could do wonders for the comp if they got hold of it.

Re: Brian Barwick: RFL chairman eyes stable Super League : Fri Aug 23, 2013 9:44 am  

bewareshadows wrote:

If SKY lost RL, it's going to hit their advertising budget.

Footy, RU and RL off sky. Leave sky with half of the footy fixtures and cricket.

Not sure how many buy Sky Sports for RL alone, but I do and cancel it every October.

Me too , if sky lost RL I would be ditching my sky sports sub pronto, In fact I'd be tempted to ditch the lot and go with a cheaper option

Re: Brian Barwick: RFL chairman eyes stable Super League : Fri Aug 23, 2013 1:27 pm  

Albion wrote:

The reason they pay so much for RU could be something to do with the perceived audience that the sport brings, so sponsorship is more lucrative maybe? So viewing figures may not hold as much weight as you think?

correct.


1000 viewers in the AB social demographic, are worth more than 10,000 advertisers in the C2DE demographics. Think Audi, Mercedes, Omega and Hilton advertising associated with Rugby Union, compared to Wonga, John Smiths and the Daily Star for RL.