Cooke slams Premiership for 'empty threat'
October 16, 2000

Geoff Cooke, chief executive of Division 1 leaders Worcester has urged the RFU to 'call the bluff' of the Premiership clubs in their on-going dispute over the Rob Andrew plan.

Cooke said: "I think it is an empty threat because if the Premiership clubs breakaway where would they go?

"They wouldn't be able to play in Europe and would not be eligible for any RFU-associated competitions.

"If they go then good riddance because there are so many people now within the clubs who shouldn't be in rugby anyway."

Cooke believes that any abdication of the elite 12 could work in favour of Worcester who have won their opening six league matches and head the table by six points.

He said: "It will open the door for us because there will be another restructuring if the clubs leave and we'll all start again - with us in the top league.

"But I am not going to lose any sleep over this because it is just complete nonsense."

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