EXETER CHIEF EXECUTIVE CRITICISES PREM RUGBY NEUTRAL VENUE SEMI-FINALS PLAN

Tony Rowe, chief executive of Exeter, has criticised proposals to stage Premiership Rugby semi-finals at neutral venues from the 2029-30 season. Currently, the top two teams in the league host semi-final matches against the third and fourth-placed sides at their home grounds. Prem Rugby officials intend to hold both semi-finals on consecutive days in a single city, modelled on the European finals weekend format. Rowe questioned the commercial viability of the change, stating he does not believe supporters will travel to neutral locations such as Liverpool or Brighton for semi-final matches.

Exeter have hosted six of their seven semi-final appearances under the existing system. The club recently became the first third-placed team to reach the Premiership final when they won an away semi-final at Bath last month. Clubs currently generate between £600,000 and £750,000 from hosting play-off matches at their home ground. Prem Rugby's governing body believes matches at larger-capacity venues could increase commercial revenue and spectator attendance.

Rowe expressed concern that removing home advantage could reduce incentive for clubs to finish in the top two positions if financial rewards remain unclear. He stated that the current structure financially rewards first and second-placed finishes through home semi-finals, a benefit the new plans would eliminate. Rowe added that he intends to observe supporter engagement with the new format once implemented, though he predicted poor attendance. Exeter was taken over by American investors this week.