Wow.

Premiership Rugby officials are set to explore the idea of reducing the Aviva Premiership from 12 teams to 10, in a bid to avert a player strike, the Guardian are reporting.

A number of players are currently unhappy with the length of the domestic season in England, with cutting two teams from the competition said to be one of many ideas being floated as a suggestion at today’s Professional Game Board meeting.

A number of high-profile Premiership players, including Billy Vunipola and Joe Marler have expressed concerns there are currently too many matches in the calendar, with strike action raised as a possibility.

A 10-team Premiership would reduce the number of matches played and likely reduce the number of weekends where Premiership matches clashes with internationals.

“Reducing the Premiership to 10 teams would not at first seem an attractive proposal to the shareholders either but it is thought that a better distribution of finances, a significantly more competitive second tier and a two up, two down promotion/relegation system would help to allay fears,”