We need to see a complete shake-up

A NEW year and change is on the way across many aspects of the game, not least with the possibility of an SGM creating a complete change at the RFU.

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When and if the SGM does take place, it will be the old style committee that will be left to pick up the pieces hopefully with a complete restructure of the way the game is run.

The current system has people in charge of the running of the sport who have little or no knowledge of the history of management of the game. This has created a ‘them and us’ culture that has divided the game including damaging the prospects of the national side with the new hybrid contracts for some and not all of the squad players.

The divisive nature of the current system for clubs and players has had a negative impact on all areas of the game, including the creation of a negative environment in support and financial opportunity, with TV companies reluctant to offer more money for programme rights with a low level of supporters at matches.

The crowd for a Premiership game this season is getting back to pre-Covid times with an average crowd of 12,569 across the league. This is a combined average with Leicester getting around 22,000 while Sale attracts an average of just 6,618.

As Sale are one of only two clubs that compete at the top of the game in the whole of northern England, an area of the country which always produced a number of quality teams, players and regular supporters, I am surprised that the number is now so low – despite the fact that there has been growth in the numbers attending games, up by around 300 a match this season.