Rugby’s come a long way in recent years, and now the sky (pun intended) is the limit for Championship clubs as the RFU and Sky TV unveil an exciting package to screen live games, behind the scenes profiles, and a give massive boost for all Championship rugby clubs.

A quick glance down the M5 to Exeter shows what rugby-based success can bring to a club, a city, and a community. Under the guidance of Toney Rowe and an Executive Committee, Exeter Chiefs have re-written the records regarding what can be achieved with careful thought, meticulous planning, vision, and loads of hard work.

Now riding high in the Premiership for a second season, Exeter Chiefs have announced plans to develop a new £3,000,000 training complex and the progressive development of Sandy Park to a 20,000 plus capacity stadium.

I’ve watched and admired the shrewd development Rowe masterminded at Exeter to rival and possibly surpassing the achievements of Ceil Duckworth at Six Ways. Both clubs are living proof of what can be done if vision, intent and resolve are put to work.

Having first constructed the magnificent Hyde Park complex, and then later achieving two successive league promotions, will Taunton be the next club to aspire to rugby’s top table?

Last weeks joint announcement by the RFU Championship and Sky Broadcasting must certainly have stirred some envious glances from Taunton Committee members, as lucrative new TV contracts were unveiled.

The RFU Championship, now in its third season, is set to raise the bar over the coming months with Sky Sports looking to expand the content of their Rugby Championship coverage significantly.

The bonus editorial content shows a further commitment from the RFU Championship clubs, Sky Sports and the Rugby Football Union to continue to further raise the profile of the competition, which has seen a consistent increase in the standard of professional rugby played for the past three-years.

Speaking on behalf of the RFU Championship clubs, Bedford Blues and Championship Committee Chairman Geoff Irvine said, “All the clubs are very encouraged by this new venture. Sky Sports play a vital role in showcasing the competition to a broad audience and giving them the opportunity to provide yet more content for viewers is another step forward. We think this additional content will provide viewers with a unique insight into the competition.”

Standard of rugby consistently rising

Last years Championship runners up Cornish Pirates were the first club to be shown live on Sky Sports HD as they entertained promotion favorites Leeds Carnegie on Saturday. It was another thrilling encounter, with the cameras stepping further into the action and providing up-to-the-minute comment from each side, which, as the RFU’s Chief Commercial Officer Sophie Goldschmidt explained, is another important step forward in the competition.

“This new venture with Sky Sports is a further development in the promotion of the competition. The standard of rugby played in the league is consistently rising, with over thirty former and current Championship players now with England and other nations in the Rugby World Cup 2011.

“This talent development pathway will only strengthen as the competition continues to progress both on and off the field.”

Commenting on the announcement, Sky Sports Managing Director Barney Francis said, “Sky Sports are delighted to continue their coverage and support of the RFU Championship, a tournament that has provided some classic matches and memorable moments over the last couple of seasons. 

"Sky’s coverage will bring you even closer to the action, with more player, and behind the scenes access than ever before.  We’re excited to bring our viewers the exciting brand of rugby that has been the hallmark of the RFU Championship and the opportunity to watch the stars of tomorrow.”

What Price Taunton?!

A £2,300,000 central funding package is already in place for Championship clubs and with the increased TV coverage incomes will be set to rise all round for those Clubs enjoying Championship status.

The challenge for Taunton is great, but then so is the prize as Championship funding moves to a much firmer footing. With such magnificent facilities already on hand at Hyde Park Taunton must surly be in the race to progress onwards and upwards to position for a challenge to enter the Championship. It’s all there to play for if Taunton can reverse their current losing form and get back on track to be in the mix at the end of the season.