Former England Sevens captain Ollie Phillips has proposed a new draft system for Prem Rugby, specifically targeting university graduates. Phillips suggests this initiative could help reintroduce talented players into the top-flight game who might otherwise be lost to the sport after pursuing higher education.
Phillips, who founded Optimist Performance, believes such a draft would generate excitement during the off-season and provide a pathway for players who invest in their education through programmes like the Bucs university system. He notes that current pathway rules can see players lose their connection to top clubs if they attend university without a direct link to a Prem team.
Under Phillips's proposal, the draft would be straightforward: the team finishing last in the previous Prem Rugby season would receive the first pick. This system aims to give these graduates a shot at a full professional career, ensuring that talent is not overlooked due to a lack of opportunity or awareness.