Central Contracts incoming

[AndyL]

Quite an interesting video investigating Australia's decline and how it relates to team cohesion. Not saying I like the idea of central contracts and a team england but having the national team play regularly together and at a small number of clubs seems to make a difference.

https://youtu.be/bWLbaYHlI9w?si=0kXVMnpvmNbMay4d

[westwaleswasp]

Wales play as 4 teams and have not had a good few years.
France have many and have.
SA have players from all over and still look great.
Methinks too many here in England are seduced by the Irish model.

[Sliminator]

Wales play as 4 teams and have not had a good few years.
France have many and have.
SA have players from all over and still look great.
Methinks too many here in England are seduced by the Irish model.

Exactly this. The Irish model is fine for them, but there is no ambition to grow the game. France have 3 or 4 professional leagues. Top 14 and Pro d2 are already 30 teams. More fans = more engagement = more revenue.

On top of that I would rather watch French Rugby over Irish (domestic or international)

[Neils]

Wales play as 4 teams and have not had a good few years.
France have many and have.
SA have players from all over and still look great.
Methinks too many here in England are seduced by the Irish model.

Exactly this. The Irish model is fine for them, but there is no ambition to grow the game. France have 3 or 4 professional leagues. Top 14 and Pro d2 are already 30 teams. More fans = more engagement = more revenue.

On top of that I would rather watch French Rugby over Irish (domestic or international)

Totally with you on your last comment.

[westwaleswasp]

Allez Les Bleus