Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Fri Nov 11, 2011 8:55 am  

I would suggest that if anyone has any evidence of these RU underhand tactics in the North East (and I can't find the original post by The Clan on this - is it on another forum or has it been deleted?) that they mention it in the comments section on The Guardian website - Under Rugby League the latest 'Set of Six'. Andy Wilson will probably pick up on it and if there is any substance to it, give it a wider audience.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Fri Nov 11, 2011 4:39 pm  

MickeyMo wrote:

I would suggest that if anyone has any evidence of these RU underhand tactics in the North East (and I can't find the original post by The Clan on this - is it on another forum or has it been deleted?) that they mention it in the comments section on The Guardian website - Under Rugby League the latest 'Set of Six'. Andy Wilson will probably pick up on it and if there is any substance to it, give it a wider audience.

It's on the Joel Tomkins to Saracens thread on the VT mate.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sat Nov 12, 2011 11:21 am  

When I spotted this headline, I thought it was about a football European super league again, but on closer inspection: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/no ... remiership Utter madness. Especially the bit about "expanding the heartlands"- not a shocker to find out that this means Eastern Europe and not the North and Midlands.

When I spotted this headline, I thought it was about a football European super league again, but on closer inspection: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/no ... remiership Utter madness. Especially the bit about "expanding the heartlands"- not a shocker to find out that this means Eastern Europe and not the North and Midlands.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sun Nov 13, 2011 4:07 pm  

Shaun Edwards to sign new four-year deal to remain Wales defence coach.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:40 pm  

BUMP. Surely there is documented proof? Copies of emails, scans of letters?

Firstly, if this is true, I will use every trick I have learnt over the years to get this covered by a national paper, but before I do, I would very much like to see documented proof of this:

The RFU held an emergency meeting to discuss the impact of RL on the NE sporting landscape and RU in particular. Letters have been received by a number of parents threatening to cut their kids from teams and RU Academies if they play RL as well. The letter also states that RL will only be a short term option for the kids and that the RFL will soon pull out leaving their kids with no where to play, which is sheer scaremongering. They've also tried to create animosity between players and some parents by suggesting that some scholarship lads are receiving £5,000 to choose RL while others are getting nothing.

As I say, if it is true, I will look to get at least one national paper to cover this....or I will run up a massive phone bill from NZ trying.
Last time I got this angry was when SLY TV moved a quins away fixture in France at short notice......I believe if I reappear again a number of sports editors will print stuff just to get rid of me

If anyone has documented proof of this, please PM it to me in confidence. I will not do anything or publish it anywhere without express permission first.

Thanx

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sun Nov 13, 2011 7:10 pm  

Urmston Wire wrote: When I spotted this headline, I thought it was about a football European super league again, but on closer inspection: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/no ... remiership Utter madness. Especially the bit about "expanding the heartlands"- not a shocker to find out that this means Eastern Europe and not the North and Midlands. I personally think it will work... if the idea is to make a select group of clubs very rich. What on Earth will happen to the clubs who miss out? Will the Heineken Cup become something of a feeder competition to this breakaway league?

Urmston Wire wrote: When I spotted this headline, I thought it was about a football European super league again, but on closer inspection: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/no ... remiership Utter madness. Especially the bit about "expanding the heartlands"- not a shocker to find out that this means Eastern Europe and not the North and Midlands. I personally think it will work... if the idea is to make a select group of clubs very rich. What on Earth will happen to the clubs who miss out? Will the Heineken Cup become something of a feeder competition to this breakaway league?

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sun Nov 13, 2011 7:51 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

I personally think it will work... if the idea is to make a select group of clubs very rich. What on Earth will happen to the clubs who miss out? Will the Heineken Cup become something of a feeder competition to this breakaway league?

Brilliantly cynical and almost certainly on the money. Geese and golden eggs spring to mind?

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:02 pm  

Urmston Wire wrote:

Brilliantly cynical and almost certainly on the money. Geese and golden eggs spring to mind?

I can see a scenario where you have this elite league being the be all and end all and the domestic competitions in Britain and France really suffer. Crowds have held up in football but the Premier League has had a knock-on effect and many clubs in the lower tiers have gone into financial meltdown chasing the dream of a place at the top table. Could union clubs such as Bristol, Sale and Worcester afford to go all out in the hope of getting an invite?

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:28 pm  

This breakaway comp seems at bit strange to me.

Won't this hurt union in the long term especially international games.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:34 pm  

cjhatesunion wrote:

This breakaway comp seems at bit strange to me.
Won't this hurt union in the long term especially international games.

No, I think union is far too strong to be seriously affected as a whole. As I said, it could lead to a gulf opening between those at the the top table and those left looking in through the window. Will a global elite league affect the prestige of the union world cup? I doubt it very much.