It’s time the smaller clubs were listened to

THE RFU purports to represent the whole of English rugby but when have clubs below Level 1 ever been consulted about law changes?

We are all aware that the game’s laws are dealt with and refereed differently at international and Premiership level.

The referees at junior clubs in many ways still apply many of the old laws, i.e. putting the ball in straight at scrums and lineouts, applying the offside lines and keeping players off the floor.

Would all the law changes of the last years have been implemented by the RFU if they had been democratic and consulted or listened to their many members below Level 1?

The RFU are top heavy with management and administrators and pay their staff and senior players far too much out of the available monies that would help the game develop at junior level.

I am not even sure that the RFU are aware of the declining numbers of senior sides and players, certainly in the North.

How many clubs were struggling before the break in the game and how many more clubs and players will fail to return?

It is time for real consultation with all clubs. Implement the needs of the game, not the views of the few in Twickenham.

Tony Dunkerley