Amid doubts over whether the Championship season will commence, Premiership clubs are considering expanding their league from season 2021/22, which may open the door for Ealing as the only club besides Saracens who can meet top-flight criteria.
With a ground share at a nearby football club understood to be in place, former Wasps and Leicester man Thompson is certain the professionalism of Ealing’s operation will ensure they can thrive in the top-flight rather than collapse in a heap like ill-fated London Welsh.
Thompson, 33, told The Rugby Paper: “When I came to Ealing I had to raise my standards a lot higher to catch up with other boys. The club is run as well, if not better than some of the Premiership clubs I’ve been at, or other clubs I know of.
“Facilities are second to none and the medical, S&C and everything is developing to make this a viable Premiership side. We’re financially secure and we’ve got a very good squad.
“They’ve taken their time, building things slowly, and while we know things don’t happen overnight and nobody knows what the future holds, I’d be in favour of expanding the Premiership and bringing Saracens and Ealing up into a new 14-team league.”
This story is from the November 08, 2020 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 08, 2020 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
