Beginning in the 2029-2030 season, Premiership Rugby plans to move its play-offs to neutral venues. Since 2005, the league has utilized a format where the top two regular-season teams earn home-field advantage. League executives are now aiming to replicate the successful European finals model by hosting both semi-final matches in a single city over consecutive days.
Early discussions have identified Brighton and Liverpool as potential hosts. While recent play-offs at Northampton and Bath were sold-out successes, CEO Simon Massie-Taylor noted that current stadium capacities of 15,000 limit growth. He points to the French Top 14, which recently held semi-finals at the 67,000-seat Stade Velodrome in Marseille, as a blueprint for increasing commercial and sporting value.
The proposal has received a divided response from clubs. Financial concerns are prominent, as teams currently earn between £600,000 and £750,000 from hosting home semi-finals. There is also apprehension regarding the loss of home-field incentive for top-tier finishers. To address this, officials are considering solutions such as increased prize money or larger shares of gate receipts for top-ranked clubs. Massie-Taylor emphasized that the shift is intended to reach new markets while continuing to support established fan bases.
