Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Wed Nov 23, 2011 6:54 pm  

Wasps have signed second row forward Ed O'Donoghue

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Thu Nov 24, 2011 9:23 am  

Kernel wrote:

We all knew RU players were mercenaries, this just helps confirm it Funny how it gets leaked out just before Tindalls appeal. Conspiracy?

It doesn't seem that long ago that Dudley Wood reliably informed us that 'one' played rugby league for money and rugby union for fun.

It seems things have taken a 180 degree turn.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Thu Nov 24, 2011 12:00 pm  

Red John wrote:

It doesn't seem that long ago that Dudley Wood reliably informed us that 'one' played rugby league for money and rugby union for fun.

It seems things have taken a 180 degree turn.

One did, in fact in the lower leagues one still does. Unfortunately the RFU have taken away most of the central funding from the grass root clubs to finance these over paid Hooray Henrys.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Thu Nov 24, 2011 1:28 pm  

Teessidewire wrote:

One did, in fact in the lower leagues one still does. Unfortunately the RFU have taken away most of the central funding from the grass root clubs to finance these over paid Hooray Henrys.

How low are these lower leagues where union is played for fun and not money? I'd say you don't have to go as low in rugby league to find the game being played more for enjoyment than financial reward.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Thu Nov 24, 2011 1:56 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

How low are these lower leagues where union is played for fun and not money? I'd say you don't have to go as low in rugby league to find the game being played more for enjoyment than financial reward.

Probably as high up as the third tier - National League One, the equivalent of RL's Championship One - you'll find players who are semi-pro and have main jobs outside the sport.

The levels below that you'll find players getting match payments/expenses but not contractual payments I reckon.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Thu Nov 24, 2011 7:49 pm  

England had an attacking coach? http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_u ... 876443.stm

England had an attacking coach? http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_u ... 876443.stm

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Thu Nov 24, 2011 9:59 pm  

Anonymous English rugby player: Ireland behaved worse than us at the RUWC "Ireland had been in there [the Altitude Bar in Queenstown] and were much worse, but I think they might have taken the press with them," said one English player hiding behind the cloak of anonymity. Another cartload of muck The England players involved in drinking games are named by The Times as: Tindall, Nick Easter, Mark Cueto, Dylan Hartley, Chris Ashton and Ben Foden. One player also said: 'Drinking games are something that happen. It's a part of how a group of lads relax. it helps build relationships to gel a squad together.'

Anonymous English rugby player: Ireland behaved worse than us at the RUWC "Ireland had been in there [the Altitude Bar in Queenstown] and were much worse, but I think they might have taken the press with them," said one English player hiding behind the cloak of anonymity. Another cartload of muck The England players involved in drinking games are named by The Times as: Tindall, Nick Easter, Mark Cueto, Dylan Hartley, Chris Ashton and Ben Foden. One player also said: 'Drinking games are something that happen. It's a part of how a group of lads relax. it helps build relationships to gel a squad together.'

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Fri Nov 25, 2011 12:24 am  

I've got a mate at Hull RUFC in National 2 North and a couple at Huddersfield RUFC in the same league and none of them get any money at all for playing the game at First Team level. (4th tier rugby) There are players at both clubs who gets some decent match expenses even at that level though.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sat Nov 26, 2011 4:38 pm  

What purpose do the Barbarians serve? Time to end what is now a circus?
Playing for a team who lacked enthusiasm, ideas and seemingly the most basic skills, largely ignored by his teamates and still manages a try. Well done Sam Tomkins.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sat Nov 26, 2011 6:11 pm  

Now is the time to hit Union where it hurts them most. Write to all Englands sponsors, Nike, O2, Land Rover etc telling them how disgusted you are and how you wont buy their products when they are associated with such a team and organistaion that set such a bad example. A lot of their sponsors are apparently quite worried about all this and a few gentle nudges could see the RFU gravy train grind to a halt. See how many players they can poach then