Mulling this over this morning, I can’t help thinking a lot of this could have been somewhat mitigated by a football transfer system. How much time, money and resources have we dedicated to bringing through academy stars and got absolutely nothing in return when they leave.
Football clubs consider it part of their business model to sell such players to balance the books. We’ve got nothing for the likes of Billy V, Daly, Cipriani etc. We’ve developed some superstars and had no return on investment. Imagine right now if we were able to sell Jack Willis and pay HMRC? Not great, he’d be missed and I know the finances are a lot more complex that that, but surely it would make more sense. It would also ensure bigger clubs were more inclusive in order to increase the development of new talent.
I think that does exist in rugby... Just to a much lesser extent due to the economies involved in the game
In football, those with the money and the need will buy a player out of their contract. The transfer fee is whatever the 2 clubs agree on to negate the existing contract
In rugby, the same could happen, and I believe there have been a couple of examples a few years ago.
There was something funky involved when Johnny May moved mid contract.
I think there was also something with George North at one point.
And I also remember a prop at Saints, I think, who had to be bought out of a contract
However, as most clubs haven't got any money, and we have a salary cap it's incredibly rare.
Also, given the minimal financial awards for winning the league or domestic cup competition in rugby, who would pay a significant sum of money for an additional player?