Premiership salary cap should stay - Bristol Bears owner writes in open letter

Bristol Bears owner Steve Lansdown has written an open letter outlining his beliefs that the current Premiership salary cap should “foster and encourage ambition” by keeping the existing £7m salary cap as well as the controversial marquee player rule.

An extensive report into the Premiership's salary cap was published last week by government minister Lord Myners, whereby 450 individuals and organizations within the game were consulted.

In the report, Myners said the marquee player allowance creates "unhelpful inflationary pressure" on player wages.

However, in an open letter published on Monday, Lansdown argues "now is not the time to take a step back and stifle progress", adding the club "strongly agrees in protecting the marquee rule".

"We believe the Premiership should foster and encourage ambition, while ensuring that clubs show financial prudence and planning," said Lansdown, who also owns Championship football club Bristol City.

"In previous seasons, Bristol Bears have not spent up to the salary cap. Instead, we have made the right decisions - in recruitment and for the business - to ensure that we can be competitive while still meeting the Premiership's salary requirements.

"In addition, the club believes strongly in protecting the marquee rule. Not only do we have long-term contractual obligations that we have planned and budgeted for, it's difficult to compete at the highest level domestically and in Europe without the ability to recruit the best players..."

Full open letter: 

📝| "This challenging period should be used as an opportunity to reflect and explore how we can keep developing rugby through bold, innovative ideas. Now is not the time to take a step back and stifle progress."

An open letter from owner Stephen Lansdown.

— Bristol Bears (@BristolBears) May 18, 2020