Could this be the end of the Aviva Premiership?
Rumours abound that Premiership side Bath are making inquiries about joining the Italo-Celtic league as the tumultuous politics of English rugby takes its toll.
The Guinness PRO12 has been chugging along steadily since the beginning of the World Cup, but the competition, among Irish, Welsh, Scottish and Italian sides is widely seen as inferior to the Aviva Premiership.
But that perception, correct or not, may be about to be flipped upside down if the source of former England international Brian Moore is correct.
He's suggested that Bruce Craig, the owner of Bath RFC, could be in Dublin today to meet with the organisers of the Pro12 to chat about a possible change in scenery for last year's runners-up.
https://twitter.com/brianmoore666/status/659335646515982336
Craig is no stranger to controversy, having signed Sam Burgess from rugby league and also contributing to the reformation of the Heineken Cup into the Champions Cup.
The switch would need the approval of the current Pro12 sides. But even if it fails, it could be the opening to discussions among rugby federations about a possible European super league or simply the formation of a British Isles league.
https://twitter.com/FoyChris/status/659345869431570432
https://twitter.com/thepaulwilliams/status/659350771083923457
Bath exited this year's European action at the hands of Pro12 side Leinster, while they also lost out to Sarcens in the Aviva Premiership Final back in May.
A representative from the Pro12 has responded to an enquiry from JOE, denying that there is any meeting happening today between Bath officials and the Pro12 or that any meetings are scheduled to take place.
