: Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:51 pm  

Catalancs wrote: even yawnion feels the pinch... http://msnsport.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12321_4794490,00.html At the end of the day, they are businesses just like any other professional sports club. I'm a little surprised the salary cap stayed at its current level, but given the size of the squads they need to carry I guess it's difficult to reduce it too much. Would be interested to know what the "other cost-cutting measures" are, given that salaries form the bulk of the outgoings for clubs. The extra fixtures are most likely to replace the Anglo-Welsh Cup that no-one gives a monkeys about I reckon, although there are some clubs for whom playing extra games isn't going to be that much of a money-spinner given their average crowds and fixed costs.

Catalancs wrote: even yawnion feels the pinch... http://msnsport.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12321_4794490,00.html At the end of the day, they are businesses just like any other professional sports club. I'm a little surprised the salary cap stayed at its current level, but given the size of the squads they need to carry I guess it's difficult to reduce it too much. Would be interested to know what the "other cost-cutting measures" are, given that salaries form the bulk of the outgoings for clubs. The extra fixtures are most likely to replace the Anglo-Welsh Cup that no-one gives a monkeys about I reckon, although there are some clubs for whom playing extra games isn't going to be that much of a money-spinner given their average crowds and fixed costs.

: Thu Jan 15, 2009 10:46 pm  

Andy Gilder wrote:

At the end of the day, they are businesses just like any other professional sports club. I'm a little surprised the salary cap stayed at its current level, but given the size of the squads they need to carry I guess it's difficult to reduce it too much. Would be interested to know what the "other cost-cutting measures" are, given that salaries form the bulk of the outgoings for clubs.

The extra fixtures are most likely to replace the Anglo-Welsh Cup that no-one gives a monkeys about I reckon, although there are some clubs for whom playing extra games isn't going to be that much of a money-spinner given their average crowds and fixed costs.

at the end of the day crowds arent such a worry for union clubs. sponsorship and corporate are far more important.
i was chatting to a union ref yesterday who old me that restructuring was already afoot within the rfu and that a 2 division pro league isnt that far off.

: Sat Jan 17, 2009 5:55 pm  

Anyone bored and watching Wasps Leinster? How was that first "try" a try?

: Sat Jan 17, 2009 6:08 pm  

Dave Lister wrote:

Anyone bored and watching Wasps Leinster? How was that first "try" a try?

Watched the genuine battle of the capitals earlier, Ulster v Quins.

Since when has High Wycombe been the capital of Engand?

: Sat Jan 17, 2009 6:22 pm  

Lenny The Loiner2 wrote:

Watched the genuine battle of the capitals earlier, Ulster v Quins.

Since when has High Wycombe been the capital of Engand?

dont ruin it for them!

: Sun Jan 18, 2009 1:21 pm  

just heard the bbc's union correspondent explaining the playoff system.
sounded like almost all the teams are involved and either he made a mess of explaining it or it is a mess.
anyone shed some light on the matter?

: Tue Jan 20, 2009 5:26 pm  

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_u ... 840755.stm Not good.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_u ... 840755.stm Not good.

: Tue Jan 20, 2009 6:05 pm  

Stevens interview on Skysports was very compelling. Sounds likes he's been sniffing the white stuff or popping pills with his mates. Fair play to him for conceding he is an idiot and taking full responsibility.

: Tue Jan 20, 2009 8:52 pm  

more on the south african england forward and his drugs test failure http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyunion/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rugby/09/01/20/RUGBYU_Stevens_Snap.html

more on the south african england forward and his drugs test failure http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyunion/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rugby/09/01/20/RUGBYU_Stevens_Snap.html

: Tue Jan 20, 2009 11:18 pm  

richardviking wrote:

Stevens interview on Skysports was very compelling. Sounds likes he's been sniffing the white stuff or popping pills with his mates. Fair play to him for conceding he is an idiot and taking full responsibility.

6-8 months ban IMO plus a rehab program.