Quinssa AGM Report 8: Evs on the Future of Rugby

By Prof
June 20 2006

In this eighth and final report from the Quinssa AGM 2006 Mark Evans talks about the future of the game - the row between the clubs and the RFU and possible law changes to our great game.

Q: Will there be changes in the laws to make rugby more popular?

A: I think it’s the complexity of Rugby Union that makes it special. I like Rugby League but I love Rugby Union because of the complexity. Some people seem to simpler rules lead to a quicker game which is more entertaining.

In the Biarritz v Perpignan and Stade Français v Toulouse semi-finals last weekend both games ended up 12-9 and there weren’t any tries but they were both great games, they were ferocious.

I think that laws might be changed to make the game safer but I wouldn’t tinker with it too much.

Q: Will the row between the RFU and the clubs be resolved soon?

A: I don’t think the problems will be solved soon but it could be better soon. Both sides need the same resources – the players – to put on their games.

I think one of two things might happen:

Someone will have to emerge as an administrator for the world game and sort it all out like has happened with the Olympic movement. It will take a gargantuan figure and there isn’t one around at the moment.
A G14 type body of the biggest clubs in England and France with a couple from the ‘celtic’ nations will break away.

At the moment it’s a dog’s breakfast.

Q: Regarding recruitment at the RFU, how big a risk is it that Dean will go over the road?

A: I wouldn’t want to speak for Dean – he’s bigger than me, a lot bigger than me, in all ways! – but he hasn’t been approached and he’s under contract to us but that’s about all I can say. They’ll have to pay us a lot if they want him. Will it happen this time, or next time or whenever.

I don’t think Brian Ashton did the right thing by Bath, it was too quick a turnaround.

Whatever happens the club will still be here in another 100 years with any luck.

I'd just like to end up by thanking Mark Evans for answering all of our questions