Haskell warns club rugby is heading off a cliff ‘like Thelma and Louise’ as £34m losses revealed

The financial state of English rugby has reached a critical point, as former England flanker James Haskell warns of impending disaster, likening the situation to 'Thelma and Louise heading off a cliff.' An independent report by Leonard Curtis revealed that Premiership clubs collectively lost £34 million last season, underscoring a significant financial crisis exacerbated by smaller clubs overspending. The report proposes a shift to a franchise model, which could potentially save clubs up to £1.9 million each year. This suggestion reflects a growing concern within the sport regarding sustainability and financial management, as clubs struggle to balance competitive aspirations with fiscal responsibility.