It sounds unthinkable but here's why rugby should MERGE union and league to save the game we love, argues CHRIS FOY

Never mind a merger of leagues in union, it's time to be far more radical, by considering a merger between league and union. Reunite the codes, after more than a century apart.That is not a typing error. Most consider it unthinkable, but officials across rugby's historic divide should be considering the possibility of creating one version of the game, as a means of staying vibrant and relevant.Stop scrapping for a slice of the sporting market, in a time of volatility and change. Any honest assessment, with sentiment removed from the equation, would conclude that there just isn't enough space for two codes to thrive – and both have their value. Union brings a far superior international dimension, but league offers a major stronghold in Australia – where league utterly eclipses union in terms of following and finances – along with pockets in New Zealand, the Pacific, and the north of England. There is plenty of tribal passion along the M62 corridor, which is not recognised beyond that catchment area.Super League's regular season is finishing – just as the Premiership is about to start – with Wigan, Hull Kingston Rovers and Warrington jostling at the top of the table. Those clubs, along with others such as Leeds Rhinos, St Helens and Hull FC, have fan-bases comparable to most Premiership clubs and the Super League Grand Final attracts 60,000-70,000 crowds, which is not far off many Premiership Final attendances in recent times. The time has come for rugby to consider a merger between league and unionWhen it comes to following on social media, the codes are closely matched. Leeds have far more followers on X – 206,000 – than any of the union clubs, led by Leicester, who have nearly 170,000. Wigan and St Helens have a healthy digital fan-base too. Average crowds are comparable in both codes, although the Tigers are the clear leaders when it comes to match-day ticket sales.Read More England's Rugby World Cup quarter-final was hours from being called off, reveals new Sale superstar Union attracts the greater coverage, but league appears to resonate more with younger 'Gen Z' audiences. According to data compiled late last year, the 13-man code was in the top 20 sports for engagement in the UK, for 18-24 year olds, whereas union wasn't in that category. That backs up anecdotal evidence about union's ageing fanbase in this country.At a time when sports are increasingly viewed via apps and online content, amid a raft of data about shortening attention spans, a simple format has obvious appeal. League ticks that box far more than union, with its re-set scrums, laboured lineouts, collapsing mauls, messy breakdowns and nuanced laws. A wide section of the public can relate to the essence of a run, catch, pass, tackle game – but are put off by greater complexity.England players often attend league game when on tour Down Under, and are blown away by the physicality and skill levels – as were the Wales squad who went to the State of Origin decider in Brisbane this year and were shocked by its relentless intensity. League desperately needs a wider profile, but brings a gladiatorial nature which appeals.There is scope for both sides of the divide to gain from a merger, in myriad ways. Union's domestic power base is too limited and league's is even more so - plus the latter code has a tiny global footprint and can benefit from union's reach in Europe, Africa and South America. Meanwhile, as the Premiership and RFU seek new clubs to emerge and enhance the elite, after the recent demise of Wasps, London Irish and Worcester, imagine adding Wigan, St Helens and Leeds, along with all the superpower sides Down Under, to secure rugby's future there.How would it work; uniting the codes? It wouldn't be easy - not least because league is a summer sport in these parts and union operates in winter - and should be a target at professional level only. While many of the league staples, including 13-a-side, could work, there is no reason why a set-piece element couldn't be incorporated, with lineouts and contested scrums in reduced form. Flankers could thrive in a fast-paced version of the game which puts an onus on their dynamism and defensive prowess, while taking away the ruck battle which carries such an injury risk.Union changes its laws so often that creating a hybrid format shouldn't be too taxing for those who spend their time tinkering in the quest for box-office nirvana. Plus, there has been so much coaching cross-over and adoption of league principles in attack and defence, so it wouldn't be such a culture shock for many backs; whether they are decision-makers, distributors, runners or finishers.Traditionalists will be outraged by any argument that challenges the status quo and it does present a threat to the 'game for all shapes and sizes' point of difference cherished by union. But the greatest threat of all is to the future existence of rugby, amid rapid shifts in the sporting landscape.Together, the codes can be stronger. The Leicester Tigers are the clear leaders when it comes to match-day ticket salesNo to another mergerAs for a potential merger between the Premiership and elements of the United Rugby Championship – no thanks. The Italian and South African sides would be left isolated, although the latter contingent should be able to tap into the oval-ball boom in their country to create a vibrant domestic event without any need for outside assistance. A British and Irish league would hasten the demise of the fading Champions Cup, on dubious grounds. The Irish provinces are rarely at full-strength, especially away from home, so their rotation policy won't put bums on seats in Premiership grounds. What makes far more sense is an Anglo-Welsh league across two divisions, with the top two Welsh sides in the Premiership and the other two in the Championship, with the option of also adding RGC 1404 from the north to open up that region. That is the best bet to tackle declining interest in Wales, where the game is in real trouble. Their fans don't just embrace into short trips to Bath, Bristol and Gloucester, as proved in recent years by hordes of Ospreys fans at Saracens or Scarlets fans at Harlequins. Great atmosphere, fierce tribalism. It just works.Premiership returns The new Premiership season starts under Friday night lights, at The Rec and Kingston Park, with a lot to live up to, after the thrilling, fine-margins 2023-24 campaign. More of the same drama, tension and entertainment, please. Relegation is unlikely to become a factor given that the system remains stacked against Championship sides trying to make the leap up, but here's hoping Newcastle are transformed, so that the league is competitive from top to bottom. Bath are surely the marginal title favourites as Northampton start life without the super-human Courtney Lawes. Time will tell if the loss of Owen Farrell and the Vunipolas will have a savage impact on Saracens' prospects, but they could fall back into mid-table, given the Test demands on Maro Itoje, Jamie George and others. Sale will be in mix again, with George Ford steering them shrewdly as he targets an England recall. Leicester have so much potential for Michael Cheika to harness and unleash, but this column can envisage play-offs featuring Bath and Sale, plus two out of Bristol, Exeter, Harlequins, Leicester, Northampton and Saracens. It's wide open, again, which is great news. The new Premiership season starts under Friday night lights, at The Rec and Kingston ParkThe Last WordThis is surely the right moment to bring Shaun Edwards home. The RFU can find the money to buy out his contract with France, given his track record for helping teams win titles. As an unsurpassed defence guru, he would offer the sort of experience and pedigree which could be the missing piece in the England set-up. The Lancastrian is not just another emerging candidate who has worked for Steve Borthwick and shares a similar outlook; he has the stature and conviction to be his own man. In addition, Edwards is renowned for his man-management skills and emotional intelligence, which would complement the head coach's attention to detail, work ethic and analytical qualities.  The RFU can find the money to buy out Shaun Edwards' contract with France  It would be a statement acquisition too – showing that Borthwick is not afraid to have a high-profile figure with him; reflecting a greater assurance in his own position and authority. The RFU hierarchy may wish to have a direct say in this appointment, after Borthwick chose to bring in Aled Walters and Felix Jones and they have both opted to jump ship. Joe El-Abd is the front runner to replace Jones and he has established a strong CV in French rugby, but landing Edwards would be a stunning coup which would transform the mood around the England set-up. The RFU should be moving heaven and earth behind the scenes, to make it happen.

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