Wales international Gareth Anscombe has voiced his support for the idea of an Anglo-Welsh league, suggesting that it could have advantages for all involved in the rugby community. The 33-year-old flyhalf has been playing for English Premiership club Gloucester this season alongside his Welsh compatriots Max Llewellyn, Tomos Williams, and Josh Hathaway. Anscombe’s reflections came during a guest appearance on the Sportin Wales podcast with Ellis Jenkins and Alex Cuthbert.
During the podcast, presenter Cuthbert highlighted the relatively low turnout at Ospreys’ recent Champions Cup quarter-final match at Swansea.com Stadium as an example of the struggles Welsh clubs face. Anscombe weighed in on the discussion, acknowledging the challenges faced by the Premiership clubs and expressing his belief that integrating Welsh regions into the league could be mutually beneficial. He highlighted the positive impact that enthusiastic traveling Welsh fans could have on the atmosphere of Premiership matches.
The seasoned player emphasised the value that Welsh teams could bring to the Premiership, citing his own experience playing against the Scarlets at Kingsholm and witnessing the vibrant support from Welsh fans. Anscombe mused on the potential benefits of having a few Welsh regions competing in the English league, suggesting that it could enhance both the quality of play and the spectator experience. He acknowledged the complexities involved in such a decision but expressed his personal desire to see it materialise.
Discussing the current rugby landscape, Cuthbert raised the issue of attracting younger fans and enhancing the entertainment aspect of the sport. Anscombe echoed the sentiment, pointing out the significant impact of crowd attendance on the overall match-day experience. Drawing comparisons with other sports like American football, he highlighted the importance of a lively atmosphere for engaging fans and enhancing the viewing experience for all stakeholders.
The flyhalf also delved into the financial considerations, noting the revenue implications of additional home games for English clubs towards the end of the season. Anscombe suggested that expanding the Premiership with a few extra teams could provide a solution to the revenue challenges faced by clubs, offering a potential boost to profitability. He acknowledged the logistical hurdles but remained optimistic about the positive outcomes that could stem from closer integration between Welsh and English rugby.
Anscombe’s reflections shed light on the ongoing discussions within the rugby community regarding potential structural changes and collaborations between Welsh and English clubs. As the sport continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, the insights shared by players like Anscombe offer valuable perspectives on the future direction of professional rugby in the UK.