Regional powers will help grow the game

WITH the SGM now concluded, the English game will be waiting to see if the agreed increase in regional power distribution to all levels of the game will in fact happen. Which poses the question: where will that take England rugby in the near future?

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I have written previously that many of the problems that are in the game have been created over a number of years and were not directly down to Bill Sweeney, below, but as the current CEO it was only right he would be held responsible. Fortunately, with a lot of help from Sir Bill Beaumont, he has managed to keep his position within the RFU.

I am sure that the current direction that the game has been created for your season. From a coaching perspective, what is put in place to seek to help players deal with the pressure of that afternoon? Sport psychology and mindfulness have been a key part to our build-up, and whilst there is a new set of 23, just another game of rugby, it clearly isn’t with thousands in attendance. So part of the challenge is also embracing the fun and really trying to enjoy the privilege of the occasion.

That said, the RFU has been following which could be beneficial for the whole game rather than just a few clubs in a ring-fenced Premiership.

The Whole Game Union group will be disappointed that more clubs didn’t support their efforts to force a change at the top of the RFU but will be pleased that the second motion should see a rapid change in the governance of the game by devolving more power to the community (grassroots) game and was passed by a very decisive number of votes.