I agree - it’s not all the RFU’s fault but change is needed

JOHN Allanson, rightly points out (TRP Sep 26) that “the issue of local volunteer succession” is a major concern. He refers to the workers who run community clubs from six-year-olds to adult rugby, male and female and the County Union workers.

John also comments “not all the troubles within the Community game can be blamed on the RFU”. I agree. The RFU cannot be blamed for the selection policy at my Level 7 club, nor for the price of a pint in our bar, but it can be blamed for: the unimaginative slog of the league structure, with too much travel; the redundancies of support staff inflicted on community clubs; the lack of a structured pathway for ambitious players, leading to massive wastage of talent.

At a national level, losing control of the Premiership shareholders including the CVC investors; huge reduction of Championship funding; cajoling the Council members into sanctioning a Premiership ring-fence; ditching the England Rugby Coaches Association (ERCA); and being almost mute on all matters financial.

RFU CEO Bill Sweeney has told me personally that the RFU debt position is £63m “which is quite manageable for an organisation like ours” but many fear the debt is three times that level and perhaps more.

The RFU and Twickenham belongs to the affiliated clubs. We deserve an explanation before the “volunteer successors” throw in the towel. John asks what agenda I would propose, so here it is: 50/50 funding split between Pro (13)/Community (1400) clubs; smaller leagues (copy Lancashire); improved player pathway, and give County workers a County Championship and the income generated.