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Page last updated at 11:23 GMT, Thursday, 11 June 2009 12:23 UK

Duckworth wants more rugby homes

Cecil Duckworth
Duckworth invested millions of pounds into the development at Sixways

Worcester Warriors chairman Cecil Duckworth has said Premiership clubs should be playing on grounds that are used solely for rugby.

He believes that by extending the Premiership to 14 teams, it would allow clubs to invest more in new facilities.

"We haven't got enough rugby stadiums," he told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"Those people who are playing on football grounds should be playing on rugby grounds. They can fix their own fixtures and not be subject to the FA."

Three Premiership clubs - Wasps, Saracens and London Irish - currently play on the grounds of Football League clubs.

Duckworth added: "I think the Premiership could be expanded to 14, I have been consistent in that view.

"To remove the relegation issue would take away the major excuse why these clubs don't develop their own grounds."

I know if you take promotion away from from the Championship, the teams would lose a lot

Worcester chairman Cecil Duckworth

Duckworth thinks that owners want return from their investment, having invested millions of pounds developing the Warriors' Sixways Stadium.

"It's been risky building a stadium like we have at Sixways, not knowing which league you are going to be in.

"I know if you take promotion away from from the Championship, the teams would lose a lot.

"On the other hand if you go to 14 teams, the clubs that come in could do with a two or three year bedding in period, so they don't go straight back down.

"I know we at Worcester didn't get that, but I think it's the way forward."



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see also
Players want success - Duckworth
08 Jun 09 |  Worcester
No more signings, says Duckworth
04 Jun 09 |  Worcester


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