Richard Cockerill Criticizes Lack of Bite in Premiership Rugby
Former Leicester Tigers boss Richard Cockerill has raised concerns about the current state of English club rugby, stating that the Premiership has lost its “bite.” Cockerill, who led Leicester to multiple Premiership titles, believes that the reduction of teams in the league has taken away the competitive edge that once existed.
In an interview with BBC Radio Leicester, Cockerill expressed his views on the changes in the league structure, highlighting the lack of jeopardy in the competition. He pointed out that the top eight teams now qualify for the European Champions Cup, whereas previously only the top four teams would qualify, leading to a more intense battle for those coveted spots.
Cockerill, who is now coaching the Georgia Black Lions, reminisced about the historic rivalries and fierce competition that once defined English club rugby. He recalled the intense matches against rivals like Northampton Saints, where the rivalry was fueled by a sense of “sporting hatred.”
However, Cockerill acknowledged that the game has evolved and that entertainment value is still important. He noted that while fans may enjoy high-scoring games, the edginess and physicality that once characterized matches seem to be lacking in the current landscape of English club rugby.
As Cockerill prepares to face his former team in a friendly match, he reflects on the changes in the game and hopes to see a return to the intense rivalries and competitive spirit that made English club rugby so captivating in the past. Despite the challenges facing the sport, Cockerill remains optimistic about the future and the potential for the game to regain its “bite.”