So, thanks to the unstinting generosity of American television company ESPN, Premier Rugby’s 30 pieces of silver are about to become 40 or even 50 after a new broadcasting deal was agreed.

In many ways the contract only confirms the fact that America knows nothing about rugby, because to suggest there are 43 more matches each season that bear screening is to seriously over-estimate the quality of the top-flight product.

Statistics can prove many things but they cannot deny the fact that the Premiership has become a sterile and joyless place where entertainment is at a premium and where tactical conservatism is rewarded.

An analysis of the reasons for that belongs elsewhere but the usual suspects – the laws, injuries to star players and the pressure of relegation – probably each have something to do with the problem.

Anyway, I cannot say I share PRL’s enthusiasm, not least because their PR drive about the popularity of Premiership rugby leaves a pretty nasty taste in the mouth when one considers the plight of clubs outside their remit.

The cartel seems to forget on whom’s shoulders it is standing and where it would be without the efforts of those clubs who were unfortunate enough to be on the wrong side of the moat when the professional drawbridge was hauled up.

What would be nice to see would be a gesture from PRL to donate ten per cent of their broadcasting income to Championship or National League sides.

Even better, they could insist that any deal to show top-flight games should include one or two second-tier matches, or at least a dedicated magazine programme.

The real danger here lies not in the widening of the financial gulf between the top two divisions but a further breaking of the link between the sport and its church.

Anyone who thinks kick-off times will remain unaltered is living in the Land of the Cloud Cuckoos.

Friday night rugby is gradually becoming the norm and outside of the Premiership I can understand the reasons for it.

But when supporters are asked to traipse to Newcastle or Leeds on a Sunday or during a Friday rush-hour it is unacceptable.

The last thing the sport needs is a corporation with no feel for its nuances dictating who goes where and when.