Otter concerned by RFU proposals

Cambridge were promoted to National Two in 2006

Cambridge chairman Jerry Otter believes it could become imperative for his side to win promotion from the third tier.

The RFU is hoping to ratify proposals for a 12-team professional league to form beneath the Premiership.

There are concerns a financial divide may develop between the top leagues and the rest within the new structure.

Otter told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "Promotion's imperative because if you don't make it you're going to lose funding, but your costs will stay."

The RFU is keen to improve the commercial appeal of sides below the Premiership and hopes to implement the new structure for the start of the 2009-2010 season.

However the proposals have already come up against significant opposition.

Everybody wants to play rugby at the highest level they can play it

Cambridge chairman Jerry Otter

"I'm totally against it, the RFU have lost all rhyme or reason," Otter said.

"It would be fine, providing the funding is there to support sides outside the new leagues, but unfortunately they plan to reduce it rather than increase it."

While Otter fears his club may be unable to meet with the financial rigours of full time professional rugby, he believes winning promotion to the new league is the least worst option.

"Everybody wants to play rugby at the highest level they can play it, but you need to look at the funding of it and the sustainability of it," Otter said.

The task could be made even harder with the new second tier set to be smaller and only one side promoted each season.

Cambridge are currently second in National Two but will need to win the league if they are to go up.