Saving Rugby Union: The Price of Professionalism

Rugby union is in crisis. The game is being strangled by professionalism, which is driving up costs, pricing out grassroots clubs, and creating a divide between the professional and amateur game.

Saving Rugby Union: The Price of Professionalism

by Ross Reyburn

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4787 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	150 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In Saving Rugby Union, authors James Corrigan and Alex Mitchell argue that the sport is at a crossroads. It can either continue down the path of professionalism, which will ultimately lead to its demise, or it can return to its roots as a community-based game.

Corrigan and Mitchell provide a detailed analysis of the problems facing rugby union and offer a series of solutions to save the game. They argue that the sport needs to be more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable. They also call for a greater emphasis on player welfare and a reduction in the number of professional clubs.

The Problems Facing Rugby Union

There are a number of problems facing rugby union today. These include:

• The rising cost of professionalism. The cost of running a professional rugby club has risen dramatically in recent years. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing salaries of players and coaches, the cost of travel and accommodation, and the need for state-of-the-art training facilities.
• The pricing out of grassroots clubs. The rising cost of professionalism is having a knock-on effect on grassroots clubs. Many clubs are struggling to compete with the professional clubs for players and resources. This is leading to a decline in the number of grassroots clubs and a reduction in the number of people playing rugby.
• The divide between the professional and amateur game. The professional and amateur game are becoming increasingly divided. This is due to a number of factors, including the different playing styles, the different levels of funding, and the different priorities of the two groups.
• The lack of player welfare. The professional game is taking a toll on players' bodies. The high intensity of the game and the increasing number of matches are leading to a rise in injuries. This is a serious concern for the long-term health of players.

The Solutions to Saving Rugby Union

Corrigan and Mitchell argue that there are a number of things that can be done to save rugby union. These include:

• Making the sport more inclusive. Rugby union needs to be more inclusive if it is to survive. This means making the game more accessible to people from all backgrounds, regardless of their age, gender, or ability.
• Making the sport more affordable. Rugby union needs to be more affordable if it is to reach a wider audience. This means reducing the cost of playing the game and providing more financial support to grassroots clubs.
• Making the sport more sustainable. Rugby union needs to be more sustainable if it is to have a long-term future. This means reducing the environmental impact of the game and promoting healthy lifestyles.
• Putting player welfare first. The welfare of players must be put first in rugby union. This means providing players with the best possible care and support, and ensuring that they are not overworked or exploited.

Saving Rugby Union is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of the sport. It is a passionate and provocative book that offers a unique perspective on the challenges facing rugby union. Corrigan and Mitchell's solutions are ambitious, but they are necessary if the game is to survive. If we want to save rugby union, we need to be prepared to change. We need to make the game more inclusive, affordable, sustainable, and player-centred. Only then can we ensure that rugby union has a long and healthy future.

Saving Rugby Union: The Price of Professionalism

by Ross Reyburn

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4787 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	150 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE