JEFF PROBYN

A FRONT ROW VIEW OF THE GAME
As the England team head towards their last warm-up game against Italy at St James’ Park in Newcastle in what should be a successful promotional match for rugby in the north east, I can’t help thinking it’s in the wrong place.
I know and understand the double need of warm-up games as a final test for players, and to raise vital capital to fund what is usually a difficult financial year. This is a result of competing in the World Cup with no home Autumn Internationals, but why play a game in Newcastle?
With the north of England boa...