Ben Ward claims RFU lacks leadership as he expresses frustration at bosses denying championship winning Jersey chance to mingle with elite based on strict criteria
- Jersey won the championship ahead of Ealing, but cannot play in the elite
- Their St. Peter’s grounds can hold 4,000, short of the 10,000 demanded by the leaders
- Ealing had threatened to sue the RFU for their promotion being denied again
Ben Ward expressed his frustration at the failure of rugby bosses to help the championship winners once again fulfill their dream of a place in the top flight.
Jersey, who beat Ward’s Ealing side 35-31 on Saturday to win the Championship Cup, helped the London club to the title but were denied a place in the elite as they failed to meet the RFU’s strict criteria.
Like Ealing, who have been held back from standing in previous seasons, their St. Peter’s ground has a capacity of just 4,000 – far short of the 10,000 demanded by rugby chiefs to allow them to team up with the likes of Saracens, Leicester and Northampton .
Ealing had threatened to sue the RFU if they were again denied promotion to the Premiership if they, not Jersey, won this season’s title.
Ward, beating the drum for the championship, claimed, “It’s out there for all to see now. I’d love to say what I want, but I’m getting myself into trouble.
Ben Ward has accused the RFU of lacking leadership after Jersey’s promotion was denied
“Teams like Jersey and ourselves are managed well. They don’t spend too much.
“The championship is in good health at the moment with a few clubs pushing. This game shows what a good competition it is currently with two teams at a certain level.
“We’ve played each other five times now (Ealing and Jersey) and it would be nice to have a little more support for this level.
“Unfortunately, we need some leadership!”