PAUL REES
Worcester’s plight at a time when the salary cap has been reduced by some 20 per cent to £5m a year has reinforced the need for clubs to invest in academies and save money in the long run.

As Lee Blackett, Wasps’ head coach, said during last week’s Premiership launch at Twickenham: “There were a few more internationals knocking around under the old cap. By coming down it has increased competition because everything is tighter. It makes it more and more difficult to win and our plan is to bring through young players. The crucial part is keeping hold of them.”
Bath had a year to for...