As the Super League’s expansion plan descends into a fiasco, a blame game is quietly beginning behind the scenes. While clubs are publicly calling for a pause, they are privately pointing the finger directly at the Rugby Football League (RFL) for creating the crisis through a series of critical missteps and a failure of leadership.
The primary blame is being laid on the RFL for its flawed process. The decision to hold a vote on such a significant issue without providing comprehensive financial documentation is seen as the original sin. Critics argue that this single failure of governance is the root cause of the entire fiasco, as it created a decision based on incomplete information, which was always likely to unravel.
Secondly, the RFL is being blamed for its lack of transparency post-vote. By not sharing minutes or responding to requests for financial models, the RFL is accused of fostering the climate of mistrust that allowed the rebellion to grow. This communication failure is seen as a major contributing factor to the breakdown in the relationship between the governing body and the clubs.
Thirdly, the RFL is being blamed for its strategic miscalculation regarding the league’s main broadcaster, Sky Sports. The decision to pursue a plan that their key financial partner opposed is viewed as a monumental error of judgment. This has put the entire league in a vulnerable position and is a key reason why so many clubs have turned against the plan.
While the RFL has tried to shift the focus back onto the clubs by reminding them of their “overwhelming” vote, the clubs are refusing to accept the blame. They argue that they can only be held responsible if they were given the information to make a responsible decision. In their eyes, the blame for this fiasco lies squarely at the door of the governing body.